How to Pray

These days, whenever we want to learn how to do something, we look for a YouTube instructional video. How to jump a car battery? How to make a mushroom sauce from scratch? How to build your own computer? Easy-to-follow instructions are readily available for us to watch.

The most effective learning, though, usually happens in person, often over time through mentoring. That’s why Jesus chose a “class” of twelve “students” to follow Him for three years. Today we get a glimpse inside this personal classroom as Jesus taught His followers how to pray.

This model or template prayer, which can be prayed in less than a minute, begins with the relationship (v. 9). God is “Our Father in heaven.” This warm family metaphor is immediately followed by a reminder that His name is “hallowed” or sacred and should be revered and honored.

Next is a big-picture request for God’s kingdom to come and His will to be done “on earth as it is in heaven” (v. 10). Earth is a planet in rebellion against its Maker. This rebellion was always a failure, although from our perspective in time it’s still happening.

Then comes a petition for basic needs (v. 11). “Daily bread”—an allusion to the daily manna provided during the Exodus—represents our physical needs of food, shelter, and clothing. Why not ask for more? Because riches are the kind of temptation that make it difficult to pursue committed discipleship (Matt. 19:23–24).

This is followed by two petitions for spiritual needs (vv. 12–13). The first is for forgiveness (1 John 1:9). The petition is structured to remind us that we shouldn’t ask for what we’re not willing to give as well as that the debt we owe God is one we can never repay. The second request is to be protected against temptation and evil.

Donate to Today in the Word: https://give.todayintheword.org/

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.