Jesus’ Lesson on Prayer

“As he was praying in a certain place, when he ceased, one of his disciples said unto him, Lord, teach us to pray” — Luke 11:1

In Luke 11:1-13 Jesus teaches His disciples about prayer.  In it’s essence, prayer is a relationship. In the “model prayer” Jesus gave in verses 2-4 there is a relationship of (1) a Father and his child; (2) a King and his subjects; (3) a beggar asking bread; and  (4) a sinner asking forgiveness.  Our prayers must be offered on the basis of our relationship with God.  Without that relationship there can be no true praying.

From this four-fold relationship come four sighs that are breathed out in all true prayer. First, there is a sigh for God’s glory — “Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.” Second, there is a sigh of surrender and compliance  — “Thy will be done…” Third, a sigh of dependence — “Give us day by day our daily bread.” Fourthly, a sigh for a clean life — “And forgive us our sins… lead us not into temptation; but deliver us from evil.”

Therefore, if I am rightly related to God my prayers will be characterized by…

• A desire for God to be glorified in my life
• A desire for God to reign in my life
• A desire for God’s will over my own will
• A recognition of my dependence on God for my daily needs.
• A desire to live a clean life.

Do these things characterize your prayers?