“And it came to pass, that, as he was praying in a certain place, when he ceased, one of his disciples said unto him, Lord, teach us to pray, as John also taught his disciples.” Luke 11:1
This verse proceeds what is commonly called the Lord’s Prayer. However, what follows this is actually “The Disciple’s Prayer.”
The Lord’s Prayer can be found in Matthew 26 when Jesus prayed, “Let this cup pass from me.” As I read this verse, three things stand out:
- First, Jesus was praying in a certain place. While I understand this was a location, your schedule or life may be one where you do not have a certain place you go to every day to pray. Wherever you can, pray every day with certainty, anointing, and passion in the Spirit. As Paul said in Hebrews 4:16, “Come boldly before the throne of grace.” Prayer is not a moment of silence. It is your opportunity to approach the King of Kings and make your requests known. Take full advantage of it.
- Second, Jesus did not command them to pray. He led by example. He did not allow their affiliation, schedules, or opinions to affect His time of prayer. Could it be all the things we are complaining about might change around us if we start leading by example? If He had not led by example, they would have never asked Him to teach them to pray.
- Finally, they desired what He had! Do you realize that in spite of all the attacks you go through, your neighbor, children, co-workers, parishioners, students, and peers desire a better life than they are living? They are watching and desiring what you have. Be true to the values of the Word of God and lead by example. Make every day a good day and every moment with the King of kings one of impact.
Our prayer for you this week: May you find the courage to lead by example as you were intended to do.