Devotional Luke 11:1-2 – Commentary, Bible Study – Meaning of the Lord’s Prayer – Day 248

On another occasion, Jesus was praying in a certain place. When he finished, one of his disciples said to him, “Lord, teach us to pray, just as John also taught his disciples.” He said to them, “When you pray, say, ‘Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name. Your kingdom come. Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.’” (Luke 11:1-2)

Guideposts has a page on their website for answered prayer. I admire ST Lim. Instead of quitting her job, she prayed for God’s guidance. She writes, “Praise God! I do not have to work under the evil lady anymore! God is good. Now I appreciate going in to the office with mental freedom and sanity. No more heavy heart, no more fear of the evil lady boss. Praise God, in Jesus name. Amen!” She prayed as a child who deserves love, comfort, the necessity and security of a job, and freedom. She was humble and gave God the credit for answering her prayer.

Jesus uses the Lord’s Prayer to teach us to pray. Note, the disciples didn’t pray the Lord’s Prayer. It’s an outline of how we should pray.  It shows the importance of praying for ourselves and our relationship with God. Nowhere in this prayer does it tell us to pray for others. When we pray, we are to establish a relationship with God, our Father. We’re to pray as a child expecting love, comfort, guidance, necessities, security, and freedom. We’re to honor, respect, and praise Him. By loving him, we’ll not dishonor him. We are to seek God’s will. By doing so, we we’ll broaden his kingdom on earth.

Father in heaven, praise be Your Name. Thank you for adopting me as Your child and teaching me how to pray. Thank you for helping me see it’s most important to pray for myself, seeking Your guidance and will. In the Name of Jesus, Amen