"Lord, teach us to pray."
Luke 11:1
The new pastor of a small congregation called upon a certain man to close the morning worship service in prayer. There was a long pause of silence, then his wife was heard praying. After the service the man said to the pastor, "I'm sorry that I couldn't say the closing prayer, but I really don't know how to pray." The pastor said, "I apologize if I embarrassed you. All of us need to be taught to pray, and I would like to talk to you about it." Of course, there are many who know how to pray who prefer not to pray publicly. Yet, all of us need to be taught how to pray.
The disciples of Jesus requested that He teach them to pray. The model prayer, also known as the Lord's prayer, was the example Jesus gave for prayer. The most important thing to know in learning to pray is the relationship with God as Father. Prayer is not about a certain formula or theological words. It's about knowing God as Father. What father would not want to listen to his children and provide for their needs? Any loving father would certainly do so. How much more does our heavenly Father want to help us as His children. Knowing God as a loving, caring Father is the key to prayer. It is a faith relationship revealed to us through Jesus Christ.
Talk to your heavenly Father about your needs and concerns. Use conversational language as you express your requests and cares to Him. Remember, you are talking to the One who made you and loves you more than anyone. You are His child and He cares for you. Talk to Him about whatever is on your mind and heart. He is ready to listen when we are ready to pray. Come to Him through faith in Christ. Trust Him as your Father in heaven.
Luke 11:1
The new pastor of a small congregation called upon a certain man to close the morning worship service in prayer. There was a long pause of silence, then his wife was heard praying. After the service the man said to the pastor, "I'm sorry that I couldn't say the closing prayer, but I really don't know how to pray." The pastor said, "I apologize if I embarrassed you. All of us need to be taught to pray, and I would like to talk to you about it." Of course, there are many who know how to pray who prefer not to pray publicly. Yet, all of us need to be taught how to pray.
The disciples of Jesus requested that He teach them to pray. The model prayer, also known as the Lord's prayer, was the example Jesus gave for prayer. The most important thing to know in learning to pray is the relationship with God as Father. Prayer is not about a certain formula or theological words. It's about knowing God as Father. What father would not want to listen to his children and provide for their needs? Any loving father would certainly do so. How much more does our heavenly Father want to help us as His children. Knowing God as a loving, caring Father is the key to prayer. It is a faith relationship revealed to us through Jesus Christ.
Talk to your heavenly Father about your needs and concerns. Use conversational language as you express your requests and cares to Him. Remember, you are talking to the One who made you and loves you more than anyone. You are His child and He cares for you. Talk to Him about whatever is on your mind and heart. He is ready to listen when we are ready to pray. Come to Him through faith in Christ. Trust Him as your Father in heaven.
Prayer: Lord, teach us to pray. Amen.
