Teach Us to Pray

Now it came to pass, as He was praying in a certain place, when He ceased, that one of His disciples said to Him, “Lord, teach us to pray.” — Luke 11:1

The first followers of Jesus requested, “Lord, teach us to pray.”

Might their interest have had something to do with the jaw-dropping, eye-popping promises Jesus attached to prayer?

Ask and it will be given to you. — Matthew 7:7 NIV

If you believe, you will get anything you ask for in prayer. — Matthew 21:22 NCV

And He set a compelling prayer example. Jesus prayed before He ate. He prayed for children. He prayed for the sick. Jesus would even disappear for an entire night of prayer. I’m thinking of one occasion in particular. In the span of a few hours, He battled sorrow, stress, demands, and needs. He deserved a good night’s rest. Yet…

He went up into the hills by Himself to pray. — Mark 6:46 NLT

Apparently it was the correct choice. Because when a storm exploded over the Sea of Galilee, Jesus walked out upon the water as if it were a park lawn and the storm a spring breeze.

Do you think the disciples made the prayer-power connection? “Lord, teach us to pray like that. Teach us to find strength, to banish fear, to defy storms in prayer.”

What about you? The disciples faced angry waves and a watery grave. You face angry clients, a turbulent economy, raging seas of stress and sorrow.

“Lord,” we still request, “teach us to pray.”

– Before Amen

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Be Moses

First, I tell you to pray for all people, asking God for what they need and being thankful to Him. Pray for rulers and for all who have authority so that we can have quiet and peaceful lives full of worship and respect for God. — 1 Timothy 2:1-2 NCV

You actually have a “seat with [Christ] in the heavens” (Ephesians 2:6 NCV). You don’t have a seat at the Supreme Court or in the House of Representatives. You have one far more strategic; you have a seat in the government of God. Like a congressman you represent a district. You speak on behalf of your family, neighborhood, or softball team. Your sphere of influence is your region. As you grow in faith, your district expands. God burdens you with a concern for orphans, distant lands, or needy people. You respond to these promptings by prayer. Father… they need help.

You are Moses in your cul-de-sac. Moses in your workforce. Moses in your classroom. You plead with God on other people’s behalf.

Intercessory prayer isn’t rocket science. It acknowledges our inability and God’s ability. We come with empty hands but high hopes. Why? God…

is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think. — Ephesians 3:20

He…

will supply all [our] needs according to His riches. — Philippians 4:19 NASB

When God gives, He gives a gift that is…

pressed down, shaken together to make room for more, running over, and poured into your lap. — Luke 6:38 NLT

Take your seat at the feet of Jesus. Lift up your world in prayer. Be Moses today.

– Before Amen

Excerpted with permission from God Will Help You by Max Lucado, copyright Max Lucado.

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Your Turn

Ask the Lord today, “Teach me to pray.” Follow His lead. Listen and learn. Pray for those around you. Be Moses to your community! Come share your thoughts with us. We want to hear from you about intercessory prayer.