When he finished praying in a certain place, one of his disciples said to him, “Lord, teach us to pray, just as John also taught his disciples.” Luke 11:1 WEB
Children emulate the behaviors of their parents. Friends often imitate the behavior of their associates. Students tend to model the behavior of favored teachers. In the gospel of Luke, chapter eleven begins with a request from a disciple. After witnessing Jesus in prayer, one of his disciples came to Christ and said, “Lord, teach us to pray.” In response, Jesus gives a model prayer. Over time, this became the most famous prayer ever given.
Our Daily Bread
The Lord’s prayer is recorded in two of the four gospel accounts. It is recorded in Matthew 6:9-13 and again in Luke’s gospel. Luke records the prayer in Luke 11:2-4 which reads, “He said to them, ‘When you pray, say, Our Father in heaven, may your name be kept holy. May your Kingdom come. May your will be done on earth, as it is in heaven. Give us day by day our daily bread. Forgive us our sins, for we ourselves also forgive everyone who is indebted to us. Bring us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.’ WEB”
In this prayer, Jesus teaches us to show reverence for God as set apart and holy. In addition, the Lord encourages us to actively participate in the establishment of God’s kingdom here on earth as Jesus stresses following the will of God. Also, Jesus teaches us to ask and trust God to provide for our basic needs such as our daily bread. As Christ says in Luke 11:11, “Which of you fathers, if your son asks for bread, will give him a stone? WEB” Christ continues to teach that our heavenly Father will do much more for his children than we, as evil men, will do for ours.
Forgive and Be Forgiven
Additionally, Jesus teaches his followers to seek forgiveness from God. This forgiveness is tied to the presupposition that we forgive others as well. As Jesus said in Matthew 6:14-15, “For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you don’t forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses. WEB”
Finally, Christ teaches us to ask God to deliver us from the temptation to sin. Here, the Lord specifically asks God to “bring us not into temptation.” Of course, God does not tempt anyone. But the temptation comes from, as Jesus says, “the evil one.” And so, this prayerful request is for God to lead us away from temptation, to deliver us from sinful thoughts and behaviors. Jesus teaches us to pray continually so that our focus is on God and the things of God.
Prayer: ‘Father God, thank you for the example of righteousness that we receive in Jesus Christ. Teach us to pray by the power of your Holy Spirit. Guide my steps with your holy word. Forgive me as I forgive others. Lead me to do your will all the days of my life. In Jesus name – Amen”
Yesterday’s Devotional: That Which Is to Come
