"Teach Us to Pray"
Scripture Reading — Luke 11:1-4
“Lord, teach us to pray, just as John taught his disciples.”
Luke 11:1
In today’s Scripture we find Jesus in prayer. And as soon as he finishes praying, one of the disciples asks for a lesson on how to pray. This is a very important request. In order to have a righteous life of prayer, we must learn to pray.
As one who lived a life of prayer to his Father in heaven, Jesus is the best teacher to deliver this lesson. So he gave his disciples (and us) a model for prayer, showing that we must honor God and that we may make all kinds of requests that are within God’s will. (See also Mathew 6:9-13.)
Jesus prayed morning and night (Mark 1:35; 6:46-47). He lived for God and ended each day praying to God. He also prayed before important events (Luke 6:12-13). And before revealing that he was the Son of God, Jesus prayed (Luke 9:18-22).
As Jesus faced the end of his life, he prepared himself with prayer. With the suffering of the cross looming over him, he prayed. He asked that the Father’s will would be done, and he faced death with courage and strength (Luke 22:39-46).
Jesus also prayed several times as he was crucified. His last words on the cross were a prayer (see Luke 23:46).
Just as Jesus armed himself with prayer, we also must pray continually (1 Thessalonians 5:17). Following Jesus calls for a lifetime of prayer.
Father, help us to be like Jesus, always putting your will first. In good times or in tough times, let us always be people of prayer, for Jesus’ sake. In his name we pray. Amen.
About the author — Jang Ho Park
Jang Ho Park is a pastor in Tacoma, Washington. He and his wife, Jong Boon, have two sons.
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