Luke 11:1 (NASB)
It happened that while Jesus was praying in a certain place, after He had finished, one of His disciples said to Him, “Lord, teach us to pray just as John also taught his disciples.”

When we read this verse we may be tempted to assume that the disciples had no idea what prayer was or how to pray. That was not likely the case. They were Jews, attended synagogue, had memorized scripture, many of which were prayers and they probably prayed daily. But Jesus prayed differently. His prayers were a personal conversation with God, whom he knew intimately. The prayers of the Jews were repetitious, prayers that they recited over and over. There was no relationship, in fact they wouldn’t even say the name of God out loud.

Jesus prayed to God, focusing on God. The Jews prayed asking for protection from their enemies, relief from their hard life, food, and shelter.

The prayers of Jesus must have startled the disciples. Their prayers were not an attempt to know God, but only to change their situation. Jesus knew that to pray was to receive God. Tolstoy, the great writer, once said after seeking God, “To know God is to live”.

So, Jesus provided a model prayer to help them on their journey to know God. The disciples would have been used to that from their synagogue, but this prayer was different. It was personal, it was focused on God. Even the petitions were focused on giving them only what they need for today, so they could focus on the Creator.

Our Father, who is in heaven, Holy is your name! May your Kingdom come and may your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give me this day only my daily needs, and forgive me of my sins, but only as I am willing to forgive those that sin against me. Protect me from temptations and save me from the attacks of the evil one. For everything is your Kingdom, all power is Yours, and You deserve all glory forever. Amen.

Always praying for the glory of God,