“One day Jesus was praying in a certain place. When he finished, one of his disciples said to him, ‘Lord, teach us to pray.’”

Luke 11:1
First-century Jews would have been taught to pray from their earliest days. So it’s fascinating to see Jesus’ disciples come and ask Him to teach them to pray. His prayers were remarkably different than theirs. In response, Jesus taught them the Lord’s Prayer, a prayer memorized through the ages and used often to give us a structure for our prayers.

Of the many things that stand out in the Lord’s Prayer, we first notice that Jesus instructs us to talk to our heavenly Father. Jesus could have taught people about who God was through several images, but the metaphor He chose most was the father. He wanted people to begin their prayer by coming to the Father who deeply cares for His children. This is how Jesus related to God, and this is how He wanted His disciples to relate to Him as well.

Where our own earthly fathers may fall short, God is our perfect Father—generous, kind, strong, wise, good, and caring. As Father, He is thoroughly committed to us, ready to provide for us, instruct us, care for us, and encourage us.



Scripture Focus

Matthew 6:9-15

Insight

As you begin your day in prayer, before anything else, think of God as your loving heavenly Father.

Bible In A Year

  • Song of Solomon 3-4
  • Psalm 70
  • John 10

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