DEPENDENCE
Opening Prayer
As I read your words today, Lord Jesus, teach me; I hunger to learn more of you, of how I must walk with you and for you.
Read LUKE 11:1-4
Jesus’ Teaching on Prayer
11 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.”
2 He said to them, “When you pray, say:
Footnotes
New International Version (NIV)Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
Reflect
‘Disciples’ means ‘learners.’ Disciples of Jesus know they’ve never learned enough, never ‘arrived.’Disciples also know they’re not the center of the universe—God is—and everything and everyone depends entirely on him. ‘Dying to self’ involves giving up any sense of being independent. Prayer expresses this dependence. Pray Jesus’ words as they are (‘When you pray, say…’ v 2), or use them as a model for your prayer (‘This, then, is how you should pray…’ Matthew 6:9).
‘Father’ (v 2). It’s all about you, Lord, just you. Our origin, roots, place of belonging; the One from whom we’ve received life and will inherit every good thing.
‘Hallowed be your name’ (v 2). We long for everyone to acknowledge how great you are—this is our life goal.
‘Your kingdom come’ (v 2). If only you ruled in everyone’s heart, Father—this is our desire. Please. Please.
‘Give us each day our daily bread’ (v 3). You give us everything we need, Father—every hour, day, month, year. All we are depends on you.
‘Forgive us our sins’ (v 4). Only through Jesus is this possible. We can only look to you, Lord.
‘And lead us not into temptation’ (v 4). Help us, Father, to keep from all that risks drawing us away from you. In ourselves, we’re too weak, but you are our strength.
Apply
Play, or even better sing: ‘You’re my all, you’re the best; you’re my joy, my righteousness, and I love you, Lord’.* Use it to worship your wonderful Savior.
Closing prayer
Thank you, Jesus, for teaching me with your actions and words how to pray. Through the prayer you gave us, you teach us about God and our relationship with him. As I pray it now, and linger with each phrase, Holy Spirit, speak to me of the greatness of my God!
*‘Knowing You’, Graham Kendrick, © 1993 Make Way Music
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