ASK, SEARCH, KNOCK

Jesus loved to pray, to spend time with His Father. “He often withdrew to deserted places and prayed” (Luke 5:16). On at least one occasion, “He went up on the mountain by himself to pray” (Matthew 14:23), and “spent all night in prayer to God” (Luke 6:12). “Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, he got up, went out, and made his way to a deserted place; and there he was praying” (Mark 1:35). He didn’t always pray alone… “He took along Peter, John, and James and went up on the mountain to pray” (Luke 9:28).

For Jesus, prayer was a delight … a discipline … a necessity … a never-ceasing communion with His ever-present Father.

Peter watched and listened. He recognized Jesus’ dedication and devotion to pray. So, it was natural for Peter and his fellow disciples to ask, “Lord, teach us to pray” (Luke 11:1).

In response to this request, Jesus did three things. The Rabbi gave His disciples (and us) an outline for prayer, He taught a parable, and then He commissioned them.

The outline for prayer is what has been called “The Lord’s Prayer.” It would be better titled, “The Disciple’s Prayer.”

“Father, your name be honored as holy. Your kingdom come. Give us each day our daily bread. And forgive us our sins, for we ourselves also forgive everyone in debt to us. And do not bring us into temptation” (Luke 11:2-4). Prayer isn’t just a listing of our concerns and requests. It should, Jesus taught, include worship, and a relinquishing of our will in favor of His. The Disciple’s Prayer isn’t to be recited verbatim but is a model to shape our communications with the Father.

The Parable (Luke 11:5-8) that Jesus shared reminds us that God is a good Father who is pleased to hear our requests. God doesn’t say, “Don’t bother me!” (Luke 11:7) when we approach His throne of grace (Hebrews 4:15-16). He’s happy to hear our request and willing and able to meet our needs.

In Jesus’ closing remarks, He commanded them to pray. “Ask, and it will be given to you. Seek, and you will find. Knock, and the door will be opened to you!” (Luke 11:9). Prayer is a privilege. It’s also a duty! Jesus taught us to pray, then Jesus commanded us to pray!

Peter was a good student. After Jesus death, resurrection, and ascension, Peter led the church to be “continually united in prayer” (Acts 1:14).

“… think on these things” (Philippians 4:8, KJV).