Inspiration and resources for the week ahead

Have you ever noticed that the disciples never asked Jesus to teach them how to preach?  They heard the greatest sermon ever preached by the greatest preacher on earth, yet not one of them asked Jesus to teach them to preach.  The disciples didn't ask Jesus to teach them to do miracles either.  They saw the greatest miracles by the greatest miracle worker.

What they did ask is, "Lord teach us to pray." (Luke 11:1)  They saw something different in Jesus when he prayed—and they wanted it.  Jesus knew something they didn't about prayer, so his prayer life was different than anything they had seen or experienced.  So naturally, they asked him to teach them.

Jesus knew something about prayer.  And if we knew what Jesus knew, we'd pray like Jesus prayed.  Jesus, looked at his disciples and said, "This, then, is how you should pray: 'Our Father in heaven.' (Matthew 6:9)

Jesus knew that we can never outgrow God.  He's the God in heaven, and you cannot get any bigger than God. Nor will you ever outgrow your need for him and his power and strength in your life.

Jesus knew that prayer is a heart engaged relationship.  It's not a formula—it's the Father we pray to.  While God is in heaven, he's also imminent.  In other words he's close and personal.  Jesus knew we could approach him as a child does a father.

Jesus knew that "our" is a bigger family.  We're not alone when we pray.  It's great to have your private prayer time, but it's wonderful and powerful to pray together. It can be awkward, but the good news is, your words are not what is powerful.  God's Word is powerful.  Praying for each other, and asking for prayer is something we need to do regularly.

Jesus also knew that prayer is life shaping.  Prayer isn't a way to get what you want.  Rather, prayer cultivates trust in our lives.  It encourages us to look more carefully at the one to whom we are praying.  This Father in Heaven is all-powerful, all-loving, and all-knowing.  He's able, willing, and wise.

Jesus knew all this.  That's why he prayed the way he did.

Let me ask you, how's your prayer life?  What have you been praying for lately?  What is your prayer for 2023?  For the next few weeks, I'd like to challenge you to approach prayer differently—reflecting on how Jesus prayed.

Have a blessed week!
​Pastor Michael