When you want to know how to do something you ask an expert. In other words, you find someone that knows how and you ask them to teach you. That is exactly what was behind Jesus giving us this wonderful prayer. The disciples were no strangers to praying. As practicing Jews they prayed frequently. They prayed in their homes and in their synagogues. They prayed for the sick and their neighbors. But, Luke 11:1 tells us that when they saw and heard Jesus pray they knew there was a difference. When Jesus prayed there was a certain passion…intimacy that was there. I’m sure they could probably sense a power and confidence that they knew was missing in their personal prayers. When Jesus prayed it was more than just a religious ritual or discipline…it was an encounter with someone that He knew! So, it makes sense that these religious “praying” men came to Jesus and asked, “Lord, teach us to pray.” Or, probably more accurately…”Teach us to pray like YOU pray!”
To Jesus prayer was communion with His Father. It was part of the fabric of His life. In His ministry we see Him go from talking to the disciples to talking with His Father almost seamlessly. During the final weeks and days leading up to His crucifixion prayer is a major source of encouragement and strength to Jesus’ life. In fact, it was an essential ingredient to His obedience during His suffering. So it only makes sense that the disciples would ask the One who was the expert. And…it only makes sense as we meditate on Jesus’ sacrifice for us that we also sit at the feet of the Master and ask…”Lord, teach us to pray.”
Jesus responded with a model prayer we call the Lord’s Prayer.
Today, take time to pray this familiar prayer. Pray it slowly and intentionally. Slow it down and pause with each phrase. Then ask God to inspire you and your prayer life over the next few weeks as we meditate on these things.
“Oh God, teach me to pray. I pray but I want to know how to pray like you. Draw me into your presence in a way that transforms my prayers and draws me closer to you.”