Week 4
Granted, the disciples were not the cream of the crop. They were not religious scholars or leaders
by any means. They were simple, average Jews. Yet, even simple, average Jews knew about
prayer. They prayed at set times each day. They prayed at the synagogue. They prayed at the
temple. They knew about prayer.
Yet the disciples asked Jesus how to pray. Jesus prayed in such a way that they had never seen or experienced before. Jesus had a hunger to be with the Father. He would get up early or stay up late to pray. He would seek the Father’s presence when making an important decision, or needed strength for the journey, or just longed to be with him. And when Jesus prayed, miracles happened!
So Jesus taught them not what to pray, but how to pray.
Yet the disciples asked Jesus how to pray. Jesus prayed in such a way that they had never seen or experienced before. Jesus had a hunger to be with the Father. He would get up early or stay up late to pray. He would seek the Father’s presence when making an important decision, or needed strength for the journey, or just longed to be with him. And when Jesus prayed, miracles happened!
So Jesus taught them not what to pray, but how to pray.
Matthew 6:9-13 (NIV)
[9] “This, then, is how you should pray: “‘Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, [10] your kingdom come, your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. [11] Give us today our daily bread. [12] Forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. [13] And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.'
[9] “This, then, is how you should pray: “‘Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, [10] your kingdom come, your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. [11] Give us today our daily bread. [12] Forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. [13] And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.'
- We are to deeply respect God. So much so, that we (like Jesus did) long to be with him. Our hearts also become more like his and want things on earth to be like he originally intended them to be – more like heaven.
- Trust God for our daily needs. Jesus’ reference to daily bread reminds us of the Israelites depending on God for manna in the wilderness. They were given enough for each day. They were not given tomorrow or next week’s bread, until it was today. Therefore, we must learn to trust that Jesus is enough for today.
- We need to learn to forgive as we have been forgiven. Of course, we want God to forgive us when we have wronged him and others. If our heart is becoming more like his, then we too need to forgive as he does. That can only happen as we experience and live in his love and grace.
- God gives us the power to live his way. We are not expected to live perfect lives. And we certainly cannot live God’s way without his help. So, God gives us his Holy Spirit to not only know the difference between right and wrong, but also to choose for what is right. That way, we can live healthier and happier lives by living his way.
Time of Prayer:
1) 1 min – What is God saying to me through this devotional?
2) 1 min – What am I going to do about it?
3) 1 min – What do I want to say to God?
4) 2 min – Listen for what God wants to say to you now.