Lord, teach us to pray - Le Alii e, a’oa’o i matou ia tatalo

Scripture Focus: Luka 11:1-13

When he finished praying in a certain place, one of his disciples said to him, “Lord, teach us to pray, just as John also taught his disciples.” He said to them, “When you pray, say, ‘Our Father in heaven, may your name be kept holy. May your Kingdom come. May your will be done on earth, as it is in heaven. Give us day by day our daily bread. Forgive us our sins, for we ourselves also forgive everyone who is indebted to us. Bring us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.’” He said to them, “Which of you, if you go to a friend at midnight, and tell him, ‘Friend, lend me three loaves of bread, for a friend of mine has come to me from a journey, and I have nothing to set before him,’ and he from within will answer and say, ‘Don’t bother me. The door is now shut, and my children are with me in bed. I can’t get up and give it to you’? I tell you, although he will not rise and give it to him because he is his friend, yet because of his persistence, he will get up and give him as many as he needs. “I tell you, keep asking, and it will be given you. Keep seeking, and you will find. Keep knocking, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives. He who seeks finds. To him who knocks it will be opened. “Which of you fathers, if your son asks for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, he won’t give him a snake instead of a fish, will he? Or if he asks for an egg, he won’t give him a scorpion, will he? If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him?”
- Luke 11:1-13 (WEB)

Study:

In this passage, Jesus responds to His disciples' request by teaching them how to pray. He presents a model prayer emphasizing reverence for God, dependence on Him for daily needs, forgiveness, and spiritual protection. Jesus also highlights persistence in prayer by using the parable of the persistent friend who eventually gets help because of his persistence. Finally, Jesus reassures us that God, as a loving Father, desires to give good gifts, especially the Holy Spirit, to those who ask.

Application:

This teaching reminds us of the importance of prayer as a vital communication with God. We are encouraged not only to pray sincerely but also persistently, trusting that God listens and provides according to His perfect will. Furthermore, the prayer model guides us to honor God’s holiness, seek His kingdom, submit to His will, rely on Him daily, and reflect His forgiveness in our lives. In our daily walk, we can trust God to give us the Holy Spirit and guide us through life’s challenges.

Reflection Questions:

• How does the Lord’s Prayer shape the way I approach God in prayer?
• In what ways can I practice persistence in prayer without losing faith?
• Am I reflecting God’s forgiveness toward others as I ask for forgiveness myself?
• Do I trust God as a loving Father who gives good gifts when I ask?
• How can I rely more on the Holy Spirit to guide and empower my daily life?

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, teach us to pray with hearts full of faith and reverence. Help us to trust in Your goodness and to seek Your kingdom above all. May we be persistent in prayer, knowing that You delight to give good gifts to Your children, especially the Holy Spirit. Forgive us where we have failed to forgive others and lead us away from temptation. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Tags: prayer, Lord's Prayer, persistence in prayer, forgiveness, Holy Spirit, Luke 11, Christian living, faith, God's kingdom, daily bread