Lord, teach us to pray, as John also taught his disciples. - Luke 11:1
We usually
ask an expert to give us the best he or she has to offer. When we're with a successful
banker, we ask how to invest our money wisely. Jesus' disciples asked Him, "Teach us
to pray" (Luke 11:1).
Because prayer was central to Jesus' ministry, He wanted it to be vital in theirs. So He
responded by giving them what Christians call "The Lord's Prayer." Actually, the
prayer is misnamed, for Jesus Himself could not have prayed it. As the Son of God, without
sin, He could not join in the petition, "Forgive us our sins" (v.4). The prayer
should be labeled "The Disciples' Prayer." It can serve us in the same way that
an outline serves a minister when he preaches a sermon. It guides us as we pray.
The prayer opens with an address to God: "Father." Then follow two major
sections. First, we are to worship Him as King and talk to Him about His kingdom (Luke
11:2). Second, we are to speak to the Father about our place in His family-our need for
provision, pardon, and protection (vv.3-4).
If you need help in your prayer-life, let the pattern Jesus gave His disciples guide you.
As you follow it, you will learn what to say when you speak to the Father and how to make
your requests.
-HWR
Lord, teach us how to pray aright,
Oh, lead us in Your way;
We humbly bow in Your pure sight -
Lord, teach us how to pray.
-Anon.
We never graduate from the school of prayer.