LORD, TEACH US TO PRAY

“It happened that while Jesus was praying in a certain place, after He had finished, one of His disciples said to Him, ‘Lord, teach us to pray just as John also taught his disciples.’” (Luke 11:1)

I find that request fascinating.

The disciples had watched Jesus perform miracles. They had seen Him heal the sick, cast out demons, calm storms, and teach with authority unlike anyone else. Yet the only recorded request where they specifically asked Him to teach them something was this:

“Lord, teach us to pray.”

Why?

I believe they understood something many Christians miss today. They recognized that prayer was not a small part of Jesus' life. It was at the center of it.

Again and again, Scripture shows Jesus praying.

“After He had sent the crowds away, He went up on the mountain by Himself to pray.” (Matthew 14:23)

“But Jesus Himself would often slip away to the wilderness and pray.” (Luke 5:16)

Before choosing the twelve disciples, Jesus spent the night in prayer.

“It was at this time that He went off to the mountain to pray, and He spent the whole night in prayer to God.” (Luke 6:12)

Even in the Garden of Gethsemane, knowing the cross was only hours away, Jesus prayed.

“And He withdrew from them about a stone's throw, and He knelt down and began to pray.” (Luke 22:41)

The disciples saw this pattern. They understood that His miracles, His teaching, and His obedience to the Father flowed from His relationship with the Father.

Prayer was not an emergency tool Jesus pulled out when things went wrong. It was His way of life.

The disciples could have asked many questions.

“Lord, teach us to preach.”

“Lord, teach us to heal.”

“Lord, teach us to perform miracles.”

But they asked, “Lord, teach us to pray.”

Perhaps they understood that if they learned to pray as Jesus prayed, everything else would begin to fall into place.

The same is true for us.

Many Christians spend more time reading about prayer than actually praying. We talk about prayer, study prayer, and listen to sermons about prayer, yet often neglect prayer itself.

Paul tells believers:

“Pray without ceasing.” (1 Thessalonians 5:17)

He also writes:

“With all prayer and petition pray at all times in the Spirit.” (Ephesians 6:18)

Prayer is not meant to be an occasional activity. It is meant to be an ongoing conversation with God.

That does not mean we spend every moment on our knees. It means we live in continual dependence upon Him. We seek His wisdom, His strength, and His direction throughout the day.

The disciples recognized something important. Before they could effectively serve Christ, they needed to learn how to spend time with Him.

That lesson has not changed.

The greatest need in many churches today is not better programs, larger buildings, or more entertaining services.

It is believers who sincerely pray.

Perhaps we should make the disciples' request our own:

“Lord, teach us to pray.”

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“What I write is not for everyone, but what I write is meant for someone.” – Dean Butler

This work may be shared for ministry or personal use, but please credit the author when doing so. © Dean Butler