“Lord, Teach Us to Pray” (Luke 11)

Scripture reading – Luke 11

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* Please note that words and phrases in brackets are the author’s amplification.

Rather than offer an exhaustive study of Luke 11, I will limit today’s objective to a lesson on the prayer recorded in Luke 11:1-13 (You will find a condensed account of the same prayer in Matthew 6:9-13).

A Model of Prayer (Luke 11:1-4)

Jesus retreated to a “certain place” to pray. When He finished, one of His disciples approached Him and asked, “Lord, teach us to pray, as John also taught his disciples” (Luke 11:1). Some of the disciples, specifically Andrew and John, had been disciples of John the Baptist (John 1:35-40). They were familiar with John’s commitment to prayer and noticed that Jesus was likewise committed.

Jesus answered the disciples’ request by giving them a model for prayer (Luke 11:2-4), a lesson on how to pray (Luke 11:5-10), and God’s measure in response to prayer (Luke 11:11-13).

Four Elements Define the LORD’s Model of Prayer

First, there is Praise and adoration: God’s name is to be hallowed (i.e., holy and sacred). Believers are to pray, “Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done, as in heaven, so in earth” (Luke 11:2b). What is God’s will in heaven and on earth?

The “Social Gospel” movement in the late 19^th and early 20^th centuries believed that their labor for the Lord would usher in His kingdom and an earthly utopia. I do not find in Scripture that God needs our assistance to usher in His kingdom; however, His will is undoubtedly for redemption and salvation. Peter wrote, “The LORD is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance” (2 Peter 3:9). Paul reminded Timothy that God would “have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth” (1 Timothy 2:4).

It is also God’s will that He be glorified through our sanctification. Israel was commanded, “Sanctify yourselves therefore, and be ye holy: for I am the LORD your God” (Leviticus 20:7). New Testament believers are likewise commanded: “But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation; because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy” (1 Peter 1:15-16).

A second element of prayer addresses personal needs and acknowledges that the LORD is our Provider: “Give us day by day our daily bread” (Luke 11:3). We are to pray for life’s necessities. Such a prayer is not driven by greed but by dependence. Remembering that every good thing comes from God the Father (James 1:17), every believer and household should offer prayers of thanksgiving before meals. (The Jewish custom is to offer thanksgiving before and after meals.) 

The LORD is also our Pardon, and the third element of our prayers is to ask Him for forgiveness (Luke 11:4). We are to pray, “Forgive us our sins; for we also forgive every one that is indebted to us” (Luke 11:4a). Not a day should pass without a believer acknowledging that God is holy, righteous, and just. We are, however, sinners who need to be reminded that the LORD is merciful, gracious, and forgiving, and that He would have us be the same to others (Luke 11:4a).

The fourth element of prayer acknowledges that the Lord is our Protector and Deliverer: “And lead us not into temptation; but deliver us from evil” (Luke 11:4b). When times of testing and temptation beset us (and they will), we must trust that the LORD is ready to deliver us when we call upon Him (Luke 11:4).

Has someone hurt you deeply? Does the thought of forgiving them repulse you? I remind you that the LORD taught His followers that harboring a bitter spirit has consequences: “If ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses” (Matthew 6:15).

The Persistent Manner of a Praying Believer (Luke 11:5-10)

The LORD illustrated the principle of persistent prayer through a story about a man who, faced with an unexpected midnight guest and no bread to offer, went to his neighbor’s house to ask for three loaves (Luke 11:5-7). Though reluctant at first, the neighbor’s friend was so persistent that he rose from his bed and gave him what he needed (Luke 11:8). 

Application: God answers persistent, fervent prayer (Luke 11:9-10).

God Hears and Answers Prayer (Luke 11:11-13)

Another illustration contrasted a father who, though sinful, loved his son and wanted to give him what he asked for. Of course, no loving father wishes to give his son anything that might injure him (Luke 11:11-12).

Application: If an imperfect father desires to give his son good things, how much more does God the Father, who is altogether good, desire to answer the prayers of His children and give them what is best of all: the presence, power, and comfort of the Holy Spirit (Luke 11:13).

Closing thoughts –

Believer, never tire of prayer. God hears and answers the persistent, fervent prayer of a righteous man (Luke 11:9-10; James 5:16).

James 5:16 – Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.