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.” Luke 11:1 (Luke 11:1-13)
Although Jesus was the Son of God, God incarnate, while He was in the flesh He seemed utterly dependent on the Power of prayer and always referred to God as Father. He prayed this prayer, The Lord’s Prayer, as a guide for us as we petition God with our daily concerns.
Jesus puts a great deal of emphasis on private prayer, not to be ashamed, but to bare ourselves honestly before God. Prayer is a matter between ourselves and God and no one else. In this manner we protect the integrity and motive of every act and decision we have in our heart as we give our lives to God for guidance, strength and/or thanksgiving.
If God is our most intimate friend, prayer will bring more joy than any other habit we practice or experience. We will find wisdom for every emergency, discernment and confidence in every decision and encouragement to be persistent and bold in our requests.
When we are instructed to come before God as a little child comes to their parent, it begins with prayer. The younger the child, the more they ask for and expect to receive. What does this say about God’s desire and intention to give us all we could ever imagine we might need? Ask in His name and He will provide.
Love,
Gretchen