“Lord teach us to pray” found in Luke 11:1 is the only recorded biblical reference in which we find the disciples asking Jesus to teach them something. Granted, it was in the nature of their relationship that Jesus as a rabbi taught his disciples, however, their desire expressed to be taught to pray ought to peek our curiosity.

The disciples knew and observed from a distance the secret prayer life of Jesus. They witnessed how Jesus would often slip away to pray (Luke 5:16) and at points spend all night in prayer. I want to propose the disciples recognized that the Holy Spirits’s presence and power was connected to Jesus’ prayer life. The disciples were eager to understand and experience the same kind of prayer life. So should we.

Luke’s gospel highlight’s the prayer life of Jesus more than the other gospels.

Jesus was praying when heaven opened and the Holy Spirit descended on him (Luke 3:21-22)

Jesus would often slip away to pray when ministry was busy (Luke 5:16)

Jesus taught the reward and gift of His Father in prayer was the Holy Spirit (Luke11:13)

By illustrating using a parable of a widow and an unrighteous judge, Jesus shared how God is moved by prayer (Luke 18:1-8)

Jesus demonstrated spiritual authority in prayer when Satan demanded permission to sift Peter like wheat and prayed that Peter would not fail but would return to strengthen his brothers (Luke 22:31)

Prayer is not just another activity of Christian life but communion and fellowship with God in which we discover what is ours in Christ. Namely, we have a Father, a kingdom mission, provision, forgiveness and protection.

“Lord teach us (as YFC) to pray.”