Praying The Lord's Prayer (11AM)

What is prayer, and why do so many people pray? Who are we praying to? What do we expect will happen when we pray?

The prayer that is our focus this morning is commonly called “The Lord’s Prayer.” Jesus taught this prayer twice, here in Luke, and also in Matthew chapter 6. The two versions are similar, yet each has unique variations. In Matthew Jesus tells us to use this prayer as a model of how we pray, “pray then like this …”. In Luke Jesus gives us permission to pray this prayer exactly as it is, “When you pray, say …” This prayer is prayed in every nation, every language, in homes, churches, schools, stores, cities, on mountaintops and on ocean shores. It is beautiful in its simplicity. It is beautiful in its profoundness. It is beautiful in what it teaches us about ourselves, and in what it teaches us about God’s relationship with us.

As we pray this prayer we acknowledge God’s power, God provision for each day, God’s goodness and grace.

Jesus follows up this prayer with a short parable. The parable compares our reluctance to God’s willingness. Our prayers do not find God sleeping, tired, annoyed. When we ask, He provides. When we seek, we find. When we knock, He opens the door. Even bad parents will at some point try to do what they can for their children. God is the perfect parent, eager to provide what we need most. And, to all who ask He gives His Holy Spirit. The greatest gift!

Prayer is not a genie in a bottle granting every whim and wish. Prayer is a relationship with the One True Living God. As we pray, we change, and the world changes too. And so, we pray, “Our Father …”