“One day 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 taught his disciples.’” (Luke 11:1 NIV)

The disciples had viewed the life of Jesus, as they traveled with Him. One thing stood out to them, the prayers of Jesus. They had been following Him a short time, when they noticed that He had left early in the morning to be alone. Peter found Him and was excited about the day to come, “Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed. Simon and his companions went to look for him, and when they found him, they exclaimed: “Everyone is looking for you!” (Mark 1:25-37) In the days to follow they saw Jesus with the people teaching them, healing them. They saw Him in dialogue with the Pharisees, the Sadducees and the Jewish leaders. Jesus had even sent them out on their own missionary journey.

Now they come to Jesus and ask, “Lord, teach us to pray.” They knew there was something different in the prayers of Jesus. Jesus gives them this version of the Model prayer which he had given in the Semon of the Mount.

“Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done, as in heaven, so in earth. Give us day by day our daily bread. And forgive us our sins; for we also forgive every one that is indebted to us. And lead us not into temptation; but deliver us from evil.” (Luke 11:2-4 KJV)

The Model prayer of Jesus in the Sermon on the Mount is one of the most quoted passages in the Bible. It is interesting to note, that Jesus said concerning this prayer, “And when you are praying, do not use meaningless repetition as the Gentiles do, for they suppose that they will be heard for their many words.” (Matthew 6:7 NASB)

Here is the Model Prayer of Jesus from the Sermon on the Mount:

“Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as* we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.” (Matthew 6:9-13 KJV)

The depth of this prayer is full of God’s desires for the follower of Jesus Christ. It also brings to the believer our needs as followers of Jesus Christ. Prayer is offered because it is the only place where both can be met. These are the provisions of God for us through Jesus Christ.

It is both with this passion for prayer and confidence in God’s perfect response that the Apostle Paul would instruct the Church at Thessalonica to pray. “Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18) Our prayers should be filled with both rejoicing and gratitude because of our relationship as we walk through this life with Jesus. It is also to be constant communication with God, which comes through both our speaking to God, then listening to Him through both the Written and Living Word of God.

Prayer is not complete until we listen to what God has to say. In Proverbs, wisdom speaks, “Now then, my children, listen to me; blessed are those who keep my ways. Listen to my instruction and be wise; do not disregard it. Blessed are those who listen to me, watching daily at my doors, waiting at my doorway. For those who find me find life and receive favor from the LORD. (Proverbs 8:33-35)

Jesus Himself spoke of the importance of listening to Him. “My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one will snatch them out of my hand. My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all; no one can snatch them out of my Father’s hand. I and the Father are one.” (John 10:27-30)

May your prayer life be times of being alone with God; then the constant communication throughout the day. May your ears be attentive to God speaking to you through His Word, then hearing the voice of Him as you follow Him throughout the day.

In the Love of Jesus,

Michael Block