“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)

The disciples had observed Jesus as they followed Him. They had watched Him take time to pray. Then one of them asked Him, “Teach us to pray.” (Luke 11:1) While Jesus did instruct them at that moment, it was to be a lesson they were to continually learn about. It is a lesson we all need to learn. We need to become lifetime learners especially as we learn to pray. Here are some basic truths about prayer.

First, prayer is based in our relationship with God. The foundation of our relationship is faith. Faith moves us from sin to righteousness. Our time of prayer helps us grow in our walk with God.

Prayer begins with who we address, “Our Father, Who art in Heaven.” (Matthew 5:9 KJV) Prayer is the child of God talking with God their Father. God’s children are those who have received Him by faith. “Yet to all who did receive him to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God— children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband’s will, but born of God.” (John 1:12-13) Our faith is the foundation of our relationship with God. His grace provides for the way that we become children of God. “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast.” (Ephesians 2:8-9) Our gift comes to us through what Jesus did as He took our sin and gave us a new life through the cross and the resurrection. “God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.” (2 Corinthians 5:21) Now, as God’s children, we can talk with our Father. His desire is that we continually talk with Him. “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)

Second, prayer is developed through our righteousness given to us by God. While our righteousness is a gift, the gift is opened and usable through confession and repentance.

The development of our righteousness begins with confession. “If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.” (1 John 1:8-9) Jesus teaches that the heart of confession is repentance. “But unless you repent, you too will all perish.” (Luke 3:3,5) It is through confession and repentance that God gives us a desire for righteousness. This desire is important to how God changes us as we grow in Him. The more consistent is our prayer life, the more constant is our maturing in righteousness. “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.” (Matthew 5:6) “But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” (Matthew 6:33) “For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes: first to the Jew, then to the Gentile. For in the gospel the righteousness of God is revealed—a righteousness that is by faith from first to last, just as it is written: “The righteous will live by faith.” (Romans 1:16-17) “You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.” (Ephesians 4:22-24) This righteousness brings us into intimate communication with our Father. “The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.” (James 5:16b)

Third, prayer is growing closer and more intimate with Our Father. It is being united with Him.

This is Jesus’ prayer for us. “I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one— I in them and you in me—so that they may be brought to complete unity.” (John 17: 22-23) “Now this is eternal life: that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent.” (John 17:3) Jesus’ desire is that we would abide in this intimate relationship with Him and the Father. “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you abide in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.” (John 15:5) “If you abide in me and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples.” (John 15:7-8) It is this intimate relationship with God which allows us to rejoice, pray and give thanks in all circumstances.

From the time God called to Adam and Eve, “Where are You?” He continues to call to us “where are you?” His desire, then, was to walk continually with Adam and Eve. His desire today is to walk continually with us through this life and then into His Presence. May we learn to pray being always connected to Him.

In the Love of Jesus,

Michael Block