Luke 11
Pastor Paul Turbedsky
Luke 11:1-5 (Matthew 6:5-13)
These two passages relate to the scene where the disciples asked Jesus how to pray. They had heard the temple leaders and scholars pray in public with grand eloquence and verbosity. They also saw how John the Baptist taught his disciples how to pray. They recognized that God knew the desires of their heart even before a word is spoken (Psalm 139:4). Yet the question remained, and Jesus responded with what we refer to today as “The Lord’s Prayer”.
Understanding the flow of this prayer can be most helpful as we enter into times of daily prayer, crisis for ourselves or loved ones, uncertainty, needed provision, etc., Jesus’ instructions:
- Worship God: “hallowed be your name” (Luke 11:2; Matt.6:9).
- Submit to His will and purpose, bridging heaven and earth: “your kingdom come, (Luke 11:2) your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.” (Matt.6:10).
- Petition the Lord for life’s necessary provisions (not desires. but the basic needs that allow us to serve Him): “give us this day our daily bread” (Luke 11:3, Matt.6:11).
- Receive God’s unconditional love and ask for His grace for us and others: “forgive us our sins, for we also forgive everyone who sins against us” (Luke 11:4, Matt.6:12), asking God to pardon us as we do the same to others who have crossed us.
- Offer a plea for protection: “And lead us not into temptation (Luke 11:4), but deliver us from the evil one” (Matt.6:13).
In the midst of penning this devotion at an early hour in the morning, I received a call from my mother. My father went into the hospital the day before for a routine monthly procedure. Yet this time he experienced a tragic turn of events, causing the doctor to call in our family. My mother’s request from a hospital room 600 miles away was simple - to pray. That is just what I did, reading the words of these passages and personalizing them to my dad’s situation.
Days later my dad passed into Eternity, and at his memorial service this prayer was prayed by all in attendance. Today, he sits in the palm of God’s Hand.
As you pray, do not concern yourself with eloquence, wordiness, posture or appearance. Come to God in prayer with sincere earnestness and a heart after Him. Draw close to God and he will come near to you. (James 4:8)
Pastor Paul’s favorite scripture passage is Matthew 6:33 - "But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well."
