“Lord, teach us to pray” were the words of the disciples to the Master Teacher in Luke 11:1. But doesn’t that sound like a strange request? Why would anyone have to be taught how to pray? The truth is that many people often struggle with prayer, even the most dedicated of God’s children. It is common to “not know what to pray for as we ought” (Romans 8:26). If we are honest with our-selves, we all frequently find ourselves at a loss for words when it comes to our prayers, and it can sometimes be difficult to accurately articulate the innermost feelings of our hearts to God. Truly, we can all learn to pray better! So, from Luke 11:2-4, let’s consider a handful of practical observations that can help transform our prayers.
First, make your prayers personal. Jesus taught His disciples to address God as “Father” (v.2). Yes, we are addressing God who is our Creator, Sustainer, and Lord, but prayer is a highly personal and intimate activity where God’s children can address Him as their Father. When you pray, don’t forget that you are talking to your Father who loves you, wants to hear and help you, and who knows what is best. Make your prayers personal just as if you were talking to your father.
Second, praise God in your prayers. The Lord honored the Father by saying, “hallowed be your name” (v.2). God’s “name” stands for His being, His character, and all of His attributes to be honored and revered. Don’t let your prayers become a running checklist of wants but mingle your prayers with heartfelt praise for who God is and what God does! The more time you spend reflect-ing upon God, the better your prayers will be.
Third, pray specifically for your local church. Jesus instructed His disciples to pray that “your kingdom come” (v.2). They were to pray with a longing for the coming of the kingdom of Christ and God‟s reign through His church. I challenge you to spend time praying specifically for the local church. Devote time throughout each week to pray for our congregation’s works, our community, our ministers, our teachers, our elders and deacons, our sick and needy, our families an individual members.
Fourth, count your blessings when you pray. Jesus told His disciples to ask the Father to “give us each day our daily bread” (v.3). The word “bread” denotes the necessary provisions of life, and the fact that it is to be prayed “daily” suggests God’s continual care for the righteous to be sought every day. God certainly fills our lives each day with provisions of His grace and mercy. Our prayer lives will be strengthened if we become more mindful of our blessings and the One who blesses. Counting blessings allows us to pray “with thanksgiving” (Philippians 4:6).
Fifth, pray with a sense of need. Jesus taught His followers to pray that God would “forgive us our sins, for we ourselves forgive everyone who is indebted to us. And lead us not into temptation” (v.4). Strong prayers are born out of a sense of need. True prayer is always offered knowing how weak we are and how much we need the power of God. Your prayer life will be strengthened the more in tune you become to your needs, weaknesses, and personal struggles.
Brandon Baggett is a former Pulpit Minister for Eastern Meadows Church of Christ.
