“One day Jesus was praying in a certain place. When he finished, one of his disciples said to him, “Lord, teach us to pray, just as John taught his disciples.” 2 He said to them, “When you pray, say:
“‘Father,[a]
hallowed be your name,
your kingdom come.[b]
3 Give us each day our daily bread.
4 Forgive us our sins,
for we also forgive everyone who sins against us.[c]
And lead us not into temptation.[d]’” Luke 11.1-4
When I was in seminary, I had a fellow student tell me he was teaching his wife how to pray. I took that as rather arrogant and even sexist. If it were a child, certainly—but a grown woman? I wonder if that man is still married today after that attitude!
But with Jesus, it is different. His disciples come asking Him to teach them how to pray. Not only is this right, but we find that He sends His Holy Spirit to teach us, guide us, and speak through us to the Father as we pray. Learning from God how to pray is good and right.
Jesus was praying, and upon finishing, the verse tells us the disciples said, “Lord, teach us to pray, just as John taught his disciples.” And so He did, saying, “When you pray, say this…” and He proceeded to teach what we know as the Lord’s Prayer—what Catholics call the “Our Father.”
Many have studied the particular elements of this prayer, and you know it well. I know it so well that during a wedding this month, as I was leading the congregation, I was reciting it from memory, started thinking about something else, and got lost! Haha. Not recommended if you are the leader!
But Jesus teaches us: pray to God the Father. Remember that He is holy—other, set apart. Ask for His kingdom to come. Ask Him for daily provision, forgiveness of sins, the ability to forgive others, and help to avoid temptation. Much like the Shema, which we read about yesterday, the Lord’s Prayer is about loving God and loving others. It’s about living in a right relationship with God, others, and ourselves.
Walking with God is about a relationship. We have a direct connection to the Father through Christ by the power of the Holy Spirit. That is supernatural. That can and does happen millions of times a day. And this connection is not to be taken lightly. It’s not as if we accept to follow Jesus and never hear from Him again. We are in a lifelong, loving relationship with a God who holds nothing back in His devotion to us.
So as Jesus prayed, so shall we—address God as your faithful parent, a Father. Confess your needs. Seek forgiveness of your sins. Ask Him to help you live a holy and righteous life with Him and with others.
“O Lord God, You are good and faithful. When I lack obedience, You draw me back. When I fall into sin, You renew my heart. When I have doubts of faith and hope, You encourage me. By the power of Your Holy Spirit, You fill me up. You remind me that I belong to You. Come now, Holy Spirit, allow me to find my life in You. Guide me and direct me each and every day. For You are good, and Your love endures forever.” Amen.