Luke 11

Read: Luke 11

Luke 11:1-4 “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.’ He said to them, ‘When you pray, say: Father, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come. Give us each day our daily bread. Forgive us our sins, for we also forgive everyone who sins against us. And lead us not into temptation.’”

Think

Imagine being there with the disciples when they asked Jesus how to pray (Luke 11:1). You can almost feel their anticipation, hanging on his every word. These words would become some of the most significant in history. It's heartbreaking how often this prayer becomes a rote recitation, the very thing Jesus warned against. He said, “When you pray, do not heap up empty phrases as the Gentiles do” (Matthew 6:7). The words we've repeated countless times can sometimes feel like the emptiest and most fruitless.

Jesus begins with “Our Father,” a revolutionary idea that brings us close to God as his children. Then comes the first request: “Hallowed be your name.” This means treating God's name as holy and revered. Picture the reverence and awe this invokes, asking for God’s name to be honored worldwide. This focus sets the tone, aligning our hearts with God's holiness before anything else.

When Jesus says, “Give us each day our daily bread” (Luke 11:3), it’s a simple yet profound request. Imagine the Israelites waking each morning to gather manna, knowing that God provided for them daily. It’s about trusting God for our needs, big or small, and recognizing that every good thing comes from him. It’s a humble, daily dependence, a reminder that we are not self-sufficient but deeply reliant on our Heavenly Father’s care.

Jesus then teaches about forgiveness: “Forgive us our sins, for we also forgive everyone who sins against us” (Luke 11:4). This isn’t just about seeking forgiveness but also extending it to others. Picture the freedom in releasing grudges, mirroring Jesus’s sacrifice on the cross. Forgiveness heals us and those around us. It’s an invitation to live in the freedom and joy of a heart unburdened by resentment, reflecting the grace we’ve received.

Finally, Jesus instructs, “And lead us not into temptation” (Luke 11:4). This is a heartfelt plea for guidance and protection. We all know the struggle of facing temptations and the fear of falling. Imagine God as a loving parent, guiding us away from danger and holding us steady. It’s acknowledging our vulnerability and relying on his strength. Think of the relief and peace from knowing you’re not alone in your battles; God is there, leading and keeping you safe.

Apply

Go through each line of the Lord’s Prayer. How can you better honor him? When do you need to trust? Who do you need to forgive? Where do you need to depend on him for strength? Let this common prayer lead you into uncommon intimacy with the Father.

Pray

Jesus, thank you for teaching me how to pray. Help me to honor your name and seek your kingdom first. Provide for my daily needs. Protect me from evil as I seek after you. In Jesus’ name. Amen.