The Friend at Midnight: Neville Goddard’s Parable Interpretation
The Biblical Parable
A source-grounded study of Neville Goddard’s psychological interpretation of The Friend at Midnight, consolidated from 7 original lectures and books.
And he said unto them, Which of you shall have a friend, and shall go unto him at midnight, and say unto him, Friend, lend me three loaves; For a friend of mine in his journey is come to me, and I have nothing to set before him? And he from within shall answer and say, Trouble me not: the door is now shut, and my children are with me in bed; I cannot rise and give thee. I say unto you, Though he will not rise and give him, because he is his friend, yet because of his importunity he will rise and give him as many as he needeth.
Neville’s Interpretation
This parable emphasizes the power of 'brazen impudence' or unwavering persistence in demanding one's desire from the subconscious mind (the friend within). The refusal to take 'no' for an answer compels manifestation.
— Awake O Sleeper 2
This parable teaches the principle of "brazen impudence" or persistent assumption in prayer. The friend who receives the loaves does so not because of friendship, but because of his unyielding persistence (importunity), refusing to take "No" for an answer. It illustrates how one must adjust their thinking to continuously assume the desired state until it feels real and manifests.
— Brazen Impudence
This parable reinforces the principle of persistence. Even when circumstances (represented by the friend's reluctance and the late hour) seem to make fulfillment impossible, unwavering persistence in one's request will overcome all obstacles and lead to the desired outcome.
— Christ In Man
Neville interprets this parable as a lesson in persistent assumption and 'brazen impudence.' The man upstairs represents one's own subconscious mind or the 'God within,' which initially seems to deny the request due to existing conditions ('midnight,' 'children asleep'). However, due to the 'importunity' (unwavering persistence) of the one asking, the desire is ultimately granted, demonstrating that persistence in assumption overcomes all apparent obstacles.
— Persistent Assumption
The parable teaches the necessity of 'brazen impudence' or persistent assumption in one's inner dialogue with their own wonderful human imagination (God). The friend who eventually gives the bread represents the Self responding to persistent inner conviction, not an external deity.
— Persistent Assumption 2
This parable illustrates the power of persistence, or 'shameless impudence' (importunity), in prayer. It teaches that one must persist in imagining and feeling the wish fulfilled until it has the sensory vividness of reality, overcoming any initial resistance.
— How To Manifest Your Desires
This parable illustrates the power of persistent, 'shameless impudence' in prayer. The friend who eventually gives the loaves does so not out of initial willingness, but because of the other's unwavering persistence. This signifies that one must persist in imagining and feeling the wish fulfilled until it becomes real in consciousness, overcoming any initial resistance or apparent impossibility.
— Radio Lectures
Characters as States
Man at Midnight: The individual making a persistent, unwavering demand for their desire.
Friend: The subconscious mind or the divine power within, which responds to persistent, unwavering assumption, even if it initially seems reluctant.
friend at midnight: The individual praying/imagining.
sleeping friend: The subconscious mind or the external world initially resistant to the desire.
three loaves: The desired manifestation or fulfillment.
importunity: The persistent, unwavering assumption of the wish fulfilled.
Man at midnight: Represents the individual with a strong desire or need.
Friend from above: Represents the seemingly resistant or unavailable aspect of reality or the subconscious mind that must be persuaded.
Man asking for bread: The conscious mind, representing the individual with a desire.
Friend who arrived hungry: The desired state or condition that needs to be fulfilled.
Man upstairs (initially refusing): The subconscious mind or the 'God within,' which initially reflects current limitations or beliefs, but can be swayed by persistent assumption.
Midnight hour: A state of apparent impossibility or unreadiness for the desire to manifest.
Practical Meaning
- Approach your desire with bold persistence, refusing to accept any denial from your inner self or external circumstances. Assume the wish fulfilled with unwavering conviction, knowing that your 'brazen impudence' will be rewarded.
- Apply "brazen impudence" by persistently assuming the feeling of the wish fulfilled, refusing to be deterred until the assumption takes on the feeling of reality and manifests.
- This parable encourages individuals to continue their imaginative requests and maintain their desired state, even when faced with apparent impossibility or delay, knowing that persistence will ultimately yield results.
- The parable teaches that when one has a desire, they must persist in their assumption of its fulfillment with 'brazen impudence,' refusing to accept any internal or external denial. This persistence will compel the subconscious (the 'man upstairs') to bring the desire into objective reality.
- Apply persistent assumption to your own imagination, refusing to accept 'No' as an answer, knowing that your imagination is the only God to whom you are speaking and who will ultimately respond.
Complete Sources
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