Luke 11:1-13

1 He was praying in a certain place, and after he had finished, one of his disciples said to him, “Lord, teach us to pray, as John taught his disciples.” 2 He said to them, “When you pray, say: Father, hallowed be your name. Your kingdom come. 3 Give us each day our daily bread. 4 And forgive us our sins, for we ourselves forgive everyone indebted to us. And do not bring us to the time of trial.”

5 And he said to them, “Suppose one of you has a friend, and you go to him at midnight and say to him, ‘Friend, lend me three loaves of bread; 6 for a friend of mine has arrived, and I have nothing to set before him.’ 7 And he answers from within, ‘Do not bother me; the door has already been locked, and my children are with me in bed; I cannot get up and give you anything.’ 8 I tell you, even though he will not get up and give him anything because he is his friend, at least because of his persistence he will get up and give him whatever he needs.

9 “So I say to you, Ask, and it will be given you; search, and you will find; knock, and the door will be opened for you. 10 For everyone who asks receives, and everyone who searches finds, and for everyone who knocks, the door will be opened.

11 Is there anyone among you who, if your child asks for a fish, will give a snake instead of a fish? 12 Or if the child asks for an egg, will give a scorpion? 13 If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will the heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!”

Stay Connected

"Teach us to pray” in Luke 11:1 is already a prayer that the disciples addressed to Jesus. Good teachers in that time were composing prayers for their groups, as we learn here about John the Baptist.

To pray means to remain connected with God, to keep a link with God. The disciples have seen Jesus spending His nights praying to the Father. They were certainly amazed and asked what He has to share with His Father for hours!

Prayer in Jesus’ language means a link and warmth, a permanent link and a warm approach.

Scripture give us many forms of prayer.

Prayers of praise and admiration of God through his creation, “Lord my God, you are very great...many are your works, Lord. In wisdom you made them all.." Psalm 104.
Prayers of meditation, Jeremiah 33:3, “Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great things you do not know.” Matthew 7:12, “So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets.”
Prayer expressing joy and gratitude, “I was glad when they told me, ‘Let us go to the house of the Lord’” Psalm 122. "My soul magnifies the Lord” Luke 1:46.
Prayer of longing and eagerness "How lovely is your dwelling place, Lord Almighty...my heart and my flesh cry out for the living God" Psalm 84:1-2.
Prayer of praising faithfulness, Isaiah 25:1 "Lord, you are my God, I will exalt you and praise your name, for in perfect faithfulness you have done wonderful things." Psalm 136:1, “Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever."
Prayer of trust and confidence, Psalm 27:1 "The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear..."
Prayer of suffering and hope, Psalm 130:1-2, "Out of the depths I cry to you Lord; Lord, hear my voice, let your ears be attentive to my cry for mercy."
Prayer in distress and complaint, Psalm 88:1, “Lord, you are the God who saves me; day and night I cry out to you. May my prayer come before you; turn your ears to my cry....” v. 18, “You have taken from me friend and neighbor, darkness is my closest friend.”

All these prayers reflect a human will to keep in touch with the almighty and loving God in different situations that humans may experience.

The prayer Jesus taught us has a special and unique magnificence because it is Jesus‘ Prayer. Where and when it is prayed in depth reminds us that we are Jesus’ brothers and sisters. We are praying to our One Universal Father with a real spirit of love and confidence.

It is a prayer of praise, gratitude and a request inspiring real commitment to Jesus’ teaching of love, forgiveness and righteousness.

How conscious are we when we pray this universal prayer? Do we mean what we say? Ask the Lord again to teach us how to pray His prayer!