Read: Luke 11:1-13
The Twelve disciples have watched Jesus pray on many occasions. Finally, they stop and ask Him to teach them just as John taught his disciples. What a lesson on discipleship!
I love the fact that Luke captures the expanded lesson in the text here. It’s not so much a step-by-step guide as Matthew provided. Here are some words to follow along with a parable that explains why and how to pray. It seems simple, but the reminder is significant.
Begin with remembering what most Christians take for granted: we have a Father that is to be revered and worshipped. He alone is worthy of praise. Pray for daily bread, for forgiveness of sins, the great need to forgive others, and for wisdom to keep us from temptation. Pray and believe.
Shameless Audacity
I tell you, even though he will not get up and give you the bread because of friendship, yet because of your shameless audacity he will surely get up and give you as much as you need. Luke 11:8
Would someone describe you as one with shameless audacity? In a recent conversation with a close friend, I had to confess feelings of complacency, I was neither happy or upset about a particular subject. This is a scary place to be as one who is a fully devoted follower of Christ. The great tempter smiles at complacency and cowers at the mention of audacity.
Do you have a friend who is shameless? Whose audacity drives you nuts? If so, I would say you have a true friend. Sure, there are times to sit around the camp fire and sing kumbaya, but I’m one who needs to be stirred to action much of the time. We all know John 3:16, but do you know Revelation 3:16? Same author, very different idea.
Audacious Love of Christ
We are beyond blessed to know that we live with the Holy Spirit inside of us, that our presence here on earth counts for something, in spite of our shortcomings.
If you then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him! Luke 11:13
Oh, the reckless love of Christ! How beautifully wonderful it is to read these words. How important and significant it is to share this with all we meet, wherever we are, whatever we are doing.
Lord, thank you for teaching us to pray and for these incredible reminders. Don’t let us be lukewarm. Turn up the heat!
Thoughts about serving others
This link includes a list of posts about Serving the Least, the Lost, and the Lonely.
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Let the Word evoke words. May your life encourage lives.