Teach Us to Pray

Now Jesus was praying in a certain place, and when he finished, one of his disciples said to him, "Lord, teach us to pray, as John taught his disciples." (Luke 11:1-8)

Of all the spiritual disciplines, prayer can be one of the most difficult. Because of its private and personal nature, it can quickly be drowned out by the tasks and noise of each day. How is prayer a priority in our lives? Once again, we see the example of the importance of prayer from Jesus. Luke took specific notice of how often Jesus prayed. Jesus prayed when He was baptised (Luke 3:21), withdrew into the wilderness to pray (Luke 5:16), prayed all night (Luke 6:12), prayed alone (Luke 9:18), prayed when He was transfigured (Luke 9:28–29) and, in today's passage, we discover that Jesus was praying in a "certain place."

We know the importance of prayer, but it is helpful to be reminded in the pages of Scripture of how it was a consistent part of the life of Jesus. May we be stirred to be more intentional and consistent in our prayer lives.

How do we pray? Maybe that is your question today. You may be a newer believer or one that has followed Jesus for a while, but you need to be reminded of how to pray. Well, you are in good company. The disciples had the same question. There are excellent books, articles, and blogs on prayer, but the disciples went to the source and asked to be taught how to pray. Imagine being in a class on prayer led by the Lord Himself. Wouldn't we all be furiously taking notes?

Jesus says, "When you pray say, 'Father, hallowed be your name. Your kingdom comes. Give us each day our daily bread, and forgive us our sins, for we ourselves forgive everyone who is indebted to us. And lead us not into temptation'" (Luke 11:2–4). Jesus also taught about prayer in Matthew 6, but the words are not precisely the same. May this be a reminder that it is not about reciting the words perfectly but praying along these lines from the humble heart to the Holy Father.

As God's children, we approach Him as Father and begin with lifting up who He is. He alone is holy; no one can compare to Him. Just as a child would approach a parent with a need, come before your Holy Father and seek Him for help with your need and humbly confess your sins. May we be reminded that we are utterly dependent upon Him.

LET US PRAY - Lord, teach us not only to pray but to value prayer. Give us eyes to see idols and spiritual laziness pressing prayer to the margins or even off the pages of our days.

Thank You for Your guidance; may it shape our approach, requests, and confessions as we humbly seek You. In Jesus' name. Amen.