Scripture reading – Luke 11
Rather than offer an exhaustive study of Luke 11, I will limit today’s objective to a lesson in prayer that is recorded in Luke 11:1-13 (You will find a condensed account of the same prayer in Matthew 6:9-13).
A Model of Prayer (Luke 11:1-4)
Jesus retreated to a “certain place” to pray. When He was finished, His disciples came to Him. They requested, “Lord, teach us to pray, as John also taught his disciples” (Luke 11:1). The disciples, particularly James and John, had been disciples of John the Baptist. They were familiar with John’s commitment to prayer and noticed the same was true of Jesus.
Jesus answered the disciples’ request and gave them a model for prayer (Luke 11:2-4), a lesson in the manner of prayer (Luke 11:5-10), and God’s measure in response to prayer (Luke 11:11-13).
Four Elements Define the Lord’s Model of Prayer.
First, there is PRAISE and adoration: God’s name is to be hallowed (i.e., holy and sacred). Believers are to pray, “Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done, as in heaven, so in earth” (Luke 11:2b). What is God’s will in heaven and earth?
Some religious teachers in the late 19th and early 20th century supposed that their labor for the Lord would usher in His kingdom and an earthly utopia. I do not find in Scripture that God needs our assistance to usher in His kingdom; however, His will is undoubtedly that of redemption and salvation. Peter wrote, “The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance” (2 Peter 3:9). Paul reminded Timothy that the LORD would “have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth” (1 Timothy 2:4).
It is also God’s will that He be glorified through our sanctification. Israel was commanded, “Sanctify yourselves therefore, and be ye holy: for I am the LORD your God” (Leviticus 20:7). New Testament believers are commanded the same: “15But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation; 16Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy” (1 Peter 1:15-16).
A second element of prayer is for personal needs and acknowledges that the LORD is our PROVIDER: “Give us day by day our daily bread” (Luke 11:3). We are to pray for the necessities of life. Such a prayer is not driven by greed but by dependence. Remembering that every good thing comes from God the Father (James 1:17), offering prayers of thanksgiving before meals should be the practice of every believer and household. (The Jewish custom is to offer thanksgiving before and after meals.)
The LORD is also our PARDON, and the third element of our prayers is to ask Him for forgiveness (Luke 11:4). We are to pray, “Forgive us our sins; for we also forgive every one that is indebted to us” (Luke 11:4a). Not a day should pass without a believer acknowledging that God is holy, righteous, and just. We are, however, sinners who need to be reminded that the LORD is merciful, gracious, and forgiving, and He would have us be the same to others (Luke 11:4b).
The fourth element of prayer acknowledges the Lord is our PROTECTOR AND Deliverer: “And lead us not into temptation; but deliver us from evil” (Luke 11:4b). When times of testing and temptation beset us (and they will), we must trust the LORD is ready to deliver us when we call upon Him (Luke 11:4c).
Has someone hurt you deeply? Does the thought of forgiving them repulse you? I remind you that the LORD taught His followers that there are consequences to harboring a bitter spirit: “If ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses” (Matthew 6:15).
The Persistent Manner of a Praying Believer (Luke 11:5-10)
The LORD illustrated the principle of persistence in prayer in a story He told of a neighbor who had an unexpected guest arrive at his home at midnight (Luke 11:5).
Understanding that hospitality was expected, to have guests and fail to offer them nourishment was a great offense and a societal humiliation. In the parable, the neighbor refused to be dissuaded from seeking three loaves of bread for his guest (Luke 11:5-7). Though it was late, the man persisted until his neighbor yielded to his plea, rose from his bed, and gave him the required loaves of bread (Luke 11:8).
Application – God answers persistent, fervent prayer (Luke 11:9-10).
God Hears and Answers Prayer (Luke 11:11-13)
Another parable drew a contrast between a father who, though imperfect, loved his son and desired to give him what he requested. Of course, no loving father wishes to give his son what might injure him (Luke 11:11-12).
Application – If a father who is imperfect desires to give his son good things, how much more does God the Father who is altogether good, desire to answer the prayer of His children and give them what is best of all: The presence, power, and comfort of “the Holy Spirit” (Luke 11:13).
Closing thoughts –
Believer, never tire of praying. God hears and answers the persistent, fervent prayers of a righteous man.
James 5:16 – 16Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.
Copyright © 2024 – Travis D. Smith
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