Luke 11:1-13 Teach Us

Luke 11:1-13 NIV
Lord, teach us to pray... Teach us...

The disciples ask Jesus to teach them how to pray. So, he does. He gives them what we call the Lord's Prayer. It is a simple prayer. With this prayer, there is no one who cannot say that they do not know how to pray. Just pray this prayer the Lord gave us. It covers it all.

Verse 11 has caused me a little uneasiness in preaching on occasion. Jesus asks, "Which of you fathers, if your sons asks for a fish, will give him a snake instead?" Sadly, I've run across more than a few parents who would give their children a snake instead of fish; fear instead of peace; sorrow instead of joy.

But, by coming into a closer relationship with our Lord, through prayer, we will learn; come to realize and know that our Father in heaven, gives good things to those who ask.

God's Peace - Pr. J

Matthew 6 - Lord's Prayer

WOW! So much in one chapter! Read all about giving to the needy, prayer and fasting, treasures in heaven and why you should not worry in Matthew, chapter six.

I remember being questioned by a Christian from another denomination as to why Lutherans (as well as many other denominations) insist on praying the Lord's prayer every time we gather to worship. The answer is very simple. Jesus instructed us to pray in this manner.

“This, then, is how you should pray:

“‘Our Father in heaven,
hallowed be your name,
your kingdom come,
your will be done,
    on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us today our daily bread.
And forgive us our debts,
    as we also have forgiven our debtors.
And lead us not into temptation,
    but deliver us from the evil one.'"  (Matt 6:9-13 NIV)

It should be our daily prayer. It is not just for Sunday mornings. It is an awesome prayer for those times that you are feeling lost or helpless or hopeless and do not know how to pray, but have a need just to have a talk with our Father in heaven, then pray it as often as you need even if it be seven times seventy times in one day.

And... the Sermon on the Mount continues....

God's Peace - Pr. J