Jesus’ Disciples Requested Instruction in How to Pray

Luke 11:1, NKJV

One very important aspect of any intimate relationship is effective communication. Believers communicate with God daily through prayer without ceasing.  Therefore, not only must our prayers be continuous but effective also. Effective prayers align with the will and nature of God (Scriptural-based) and not with our self-centered will and nature. There’s a popular idiomatic expression based on the word that says “If you pray, why worry, and if you worry, why pray.” Apostle Paul told the Philippian believers to not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let their requests be made known to God. When we pray, we pray in the name of Jesus. Jesus told his disciples in John 14:13-14 that whatever they asked in His name, that He would do, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. Jesus said that if we ask anything in His name, we can have it. So when believers pray according to God’s will, there’s no limit to our prayers being answered.

At the beginning of Luke 11, we find Jesus “praying in a certain place.” If Jesus prayed, we know we must pray too. Jesus prayed regularly, even at His baptism (3:21). Jesus’ disciples wanted a prayer life with the Father that emulated that of His. When Jesus ended His prayer, one of His disciples asked, “Lord, teach us to pray, as John also taught his disciples” (v.1b). What a powerful prayer request! There was no greater teacher to whom such a request for instruction could be made. The disciples had heard Jesus pray many times. They were certainly aware that His prayers were heard and never went unanswered. Scripture declares that “a wise man will hear and will increase learning.”

Notice two things about His disciple’s prayer in this verse – short and specific. God’s word is to be practical application in our daily living. The disciple’s request was according to the will of God, and his prayer was answered; Jesus taught them what we call “The Modal Prayer” or “The Lord’s Prayer.” It is an example of how to pray so that we will have effective communication with the Lord. Brothers and Sisters, Give God glory!