Lord, teach us to pray

5-10-21
Today’s devotion is based on Luke 11:1, where we hear the disciples ask Jesus, “Lord, teach us to pray.” 

While it is certainly true that you don’t have to pray a formal prayer to Jesus, for he will respond to our simple plea, “Lord, help me.” it is also true that praying can be learned.  It can be hard at first.  That is why some people give up learning how to pray.  The disciples knew they were not good at praying.  They had seen Jesus pray. He prayed in a way that showed them that he had a special relationship with the Father, so they asked him to teach them how to pray.

First, Jesus taught them the Lord’s prayer, a rather short prayer.  Sometimes, when my thoughts are all over the place, I will first pray the Lord’s prayer, paying close attention to the words in the prayer that Jesus taught his disciples. It helps me to center on God instead of myself and my problems.  In doing so, I can better communicate with God when I am praying.  If you are having trouble praying, I would suggest praying the Lord’s prayer first.  

Please pray with me the Lord’s prayer:  Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name.  Thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is done in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread and forgive us our sins, and we forgive those who sin against us.  Lead us not into temptation but delivers us from evil, for Thine is the kingdom and the power, and the glory, forever and ever.  Amen. 

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