Teach Us to Prayနမူနာ

Imagine the scene: The disciples, well-versed in the traditions and rituals of their Jewish faith, approach Jesus with a request that might seem surprising. "Lord, would you teach us to pray?" These were not novices when it came to prayer, and their humility in asking to be taught is profound. Their request reveals an acknowledgment that something was lacking in their approach to prayer.

Jesus responds by pointing out the gap in their understanding. He tells them, "When you pray, you must not be like the play actors who love to pray in public places for the sake of appearances. Instead, go into your own room, shut the door, and pray to your Father who is there in secret.”

Then, Jesus provides a model prayer, often referred to as the Lord's Prayer:

"Our Father in heaven,

May your name be honoured.

May your kingdom come.

May your will be done, as in heaven, so on earth.

Give us today the bread we need now.

And forgive us the things we owe,

As we too have forgiven what was owed to us.

Don't bring us into the great trial.

But rescue us from evil.”

In this prayer, Jesus lays out several key principles.

The Person of Prayer

'Our Father in Heaven,' is a profound declaration of the Nature of God and His intimate relationship with us in prayer. When Jesus invites us to address God as "Our Father," it goes beyond a mere form of address; it reveals a deep truth about God's Character and His willingness to engage with His children.

In referring to God as "Our Father," Jesus is emphasising that God is not a distant, unknowable entity. He is not an aloof deity or an impersonal force governing the universe. Instead, God is a person—a Divine Person with whom we can have a personal and loving relationship. He is not a deity who watches us from afar but a Father who desires to be intimately involved in our lives.

It's important to note that this intimacy was a long-awaited desire for our forefathers. Nevertheless, through the Redemptive Work of Christ on the Cross this access has been granted to His people to address God as "Abba Father."

This understanding of God as our Father carries with it a sense of familiarity and closeness. It suggests that we can approach God with the same trust and affection as a child approaching their loving parent. Just as a child knows that their earthly father cares for them, protects them, and provides for their needs, we can trust that our Heavenly Father does the same, and even more so.

Furthermore, when we address God as "Our Father in Heaven," we acknowledge His Dwelling Place in the Heavenly realms. Heaven is not a distant and unreachable destination; it is where our Heavenly Father resides. It is not separated from us by an insurmountable chasm; it is within reach through our prayers. It's as if Jesus is saying that when we pray, we are bridging the gap between our earthly existence and the Heavenly realm where God dwells.

Additionally, when we shut the door of the world behind us, when we set aside the distractions and busyness of our lives to engage in prayer, something beautiful happens. Our Father, who is enthroned in Heaven, meets us in that Sacred Space. He draws near to us, making His Presence known. In those moments of prayer, we can experience the very real and tangible Presence of God. It's as if Heaven itself draws near to us, and we are granted an audience with the King of kings.

Reflection Questions

As you reflect on the disciples' request to be taught how to pray and Jesus' response, consider your own prayer life.

• How does your understanding of God as "Our Father in Heaven" impact your approach to prayer and your perception of the closeness of God in your daily life?
• What steps can you take to deepen your personal relationship with God in your moments of prayer, recognising that Heaven is just a prayer away?

Prayer

Today, as I pray, may I be ever mindful of the intimacy and closeness I share with You, Heavenly Father. Help me cherish this relationship, and may it transform my life and the lives of those around me. Thank You for the gift of prayer, which allows me to draw near to You and experience Your Love. In Jesus' Name, I pray. Amen.