In Luke 11, one of the Lord’s disciples made this request, “Lord, teach us to pray, as John also taught his disciples” (1). This is the only time recorded in the gospels where a disciple ever requested teaching on a specific subject, though the disciples often did ask Jesus for further explanation when confused about the Master’s words. This request was commendable, and Jesus honored it.
It may be that the disciple was moved to make the request because of his observation of Jesus Himself. It was certainly the Lord’s constant practice to go to His Father in prayer. The text indicates that John the Baptist also spent time in instructing his disciples on the matter. It is obvious that prayer is a central aspect of the Christian’s devotion to God.
Verses 2-13 contain the instructions Jesus gave to his disciples on the subject. Verses 2-4 actually contain an example of the type of prayer He desired they offer up to the Father. This prayer is very similar to, but not identical to the prayer he recited (in Matthew 6) during His sermon on the mount. Consider the constituent elements of this model prayer:
To whom it is addressed: “Our Father in heaven.” In our prayers, we address the God and Father of us all. There is discussion as to whether it is appropriate to pray to Jesus. The answer may not be a simple one. Part of this has to do with the fact that the Son is God, just as the Father. In fact, in Isaiah 9:6, among the designations given to Jesus is the phrase “Everlasting Father.” Also, there is an example in the New Testament (Stephen at his death), where a petition is made directly to Jesus. While some might quibble at whether it is actually a prayer, it is certainly an appeal to the Son of God for intercession. “And they stoned Stephen as he was calling on God and saying, ‘Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.’ Then he knelt down and cried out with a loud voice, ‘Lord, do not charge them with this sin.’ And when he had said this, he fell asleep” (Acts 7:59-60). And, of course, any argument based upon the deity of Jesus would include in principle prayers offered to the Holy Spirit. When we offer up prayers to God, we are not excluding any of the Three who make up the one true God.
That does not change the fact that the instruction we are given in scripture is to pray to the Father, through the mediation of the Son. Note Paul’s instruction, “Giving thanks always for all things to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ” (Ephesians 5:20). It is right and proper we follow this form, in both public and private prayer.
The offering of Praise, and acknowledgement of God’s sovereignty. “Hallowed be Your name.” God is worthy of praise. He is holy. He is almighty. He created all things. He sits on the throne of heaven. (cf. Revelation 4:8,11; 5:13). In His position of preeminence, He is the supreme and sovereign God. “Your kingdom come. Your will be done.” One short note, it is insufficient to simply pray for God’s will to be done. The petitioner must make it his aim, in his own life, to personally submit to God’s will in all things.
The petitions made. “Give us this day our daily bread.” As you look at the list of petitions, it is evident that we are to pray for both physical and spiritual blessings. Notice the prayer for daily bread is a request, not an expression of thanksgiving. We are certainly to thank Him for His provision, but it is perfectly acceptable to make a request for our physical needs and wants. This is not inherently selfish, whether it be on our own part, or on behalf of others. It is an acknowledgment of God’s providential care for us, and our dependence upon Him for the necessities of life. “But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you” (Matthew 6:33). Of course, requests made amiss, “that you may spend it on your pleasures”, (cf. James 4:3), are indications of a worldly mindset that will not be rewarded by God.
The spiritual petitions offered, “forgive us our sins”, “do not lead us into temptation”, “deliver us from the evil one”, all indicate the origin of our strength. It is God. With His help, we can obtain and maintain our righteous standing. Without His positive response to our petitions, we are vulnerable to the devil, who “walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour” (1 Peter 5:8).
The final instruction give by our Lord (contained in verses 5-13) is to be persistent in prayer. He noted that even a stranger can be persuaded through persistent petitions (vs. 5-8). He described the response of parents to the requests of their children, noting the faithfulness, love and concern of the father. “If a son asks for bread from any father among you, will he give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will he give him a serpent instead of a fish? Or if he asks for an egg, will he offer him a scorpion?” (vs. 11-12). Jesus then makes the point, “If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him!” (vs. 13).
Prayer is a most important aspect of our lives as Christians. We praise God, bless Him, thank Him and ask for His help in our lives. Prayer equips us, comforts us, and keeps us mindful of His presence in our lives. It is not surprising that Paul would write, “Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you” (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18).
