Applications of Jesus’ Example Prayer 

Introduction

In this study, I want to spend a little time identifying some of the aspects of Jesus’ example prayer given in Luke 11 that we can implement into our daily prayers. Jesus is, of course, our great example. He provided this example prayer because one of the disciples asked Him to teach them to pray.

The Example Prayer

Luke 11:2-4

“And he said unto them, When ye pray, say, Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done, as in heaven, so in earth. Give us day by day our daily bread. And forgive us our sins; for we also forgive every one that is indebted to us. And lead us not into temptation; but deliver us from evil.”

Reverence 

Jesus’ example prayer begins by approaching God in prayer with reverence. God is our creator. He has all power and authority. We should humble ourselves before Him when we come to speak to Him, recognizing His hierarchy and authority over us. We are nothing and have nothing without Him. I do want to acknowlege that our prayers do not have to be of a certain degree of formality. Though God is our Creator, He is also our Father. We can come to Him both humbly and in a relaxed, comfortable manner. The main conclusion to draw is to have a respectful and reverent attitude toward your Heavenly Father in prayer.

Desire for Heaven

Jesus came to this earth, died for the church, established it, and provided cleansing for its members that they may have hope of the heavenly kingdom: eternity in Heaven with God. The faithful should be looking forward to that day of receiving their reward. The idea of asking for that day to come can be overwhelming to consider, however. What seems distant in our minds can be easier to handle than something that is imminent. And we may have much we want to accomplish and experience in this world before we go. That is okay, but we should have higher regard and priority for entering that heavenly kingdom. I think the conclusion we can draw from the statement, “Thy kingdom come”, is to seek to have an attitude of readiness and joy for Jesus’ return.

Acceptance of God’s Will

Though we often go to God in prayer with petitions for others and ourselves, things that are our will. We need to recognize that our will is far inferior to the will and timing of God the Father. So, though, it is okay for us to ask things of God, we need to seek to have a heart willing to pray and accept that God’s will to be done above our own.

Pray and Be Thankful for Fulfilled Needs

God knows our needs and will provide what is needed to his children. In Luke 12:22-30 Jesus expresses this concept to his disciples. Verses 29-30 reads

“And seek not ye what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink, neither be ye of doubtful mind. For all these things do the nations of the world seek after: your Father knoweth that ye have need of these things.”

This is not to mean that we should not work to provide for ourselves, but rather, even in difficult situations the righteous should try to have faith that they will have their needs supplied. The Psalmist also writes in Psalm 37:25

“I have been young, and now am old; yet have I not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his seed begging bread.”

We should recognize we may not have abundance but we will have what is needed if we are doing that which is righteous in God’s sight. For example the widow in 1 Kings had only a small amount of meal and oil to make a last meal for her and her son, but when Elijah told her to make food for him first and that the Lord would not allow the oil or meal to be depleted, she did as he commanded and was blessed with enough to feed her house for many days. Let us give thanks to God in prayer for the needs we are supplied with, like our daily meals.

Ask for Forgiveness

Prayer is a means for us to lay before God our trespasses that He may forgive us of them. This aspect of prayer and communication with God helps us also to humble ourselves through our understanding that God and His Son showed, and continue to show such love for mankind, for us. God forgives us of grievous sins we have committed against Him. In turn, we should seek to forgive those that we may encounter difficulties with in this life. Let us ask for forgiveness to be cleansed and let us give forgiveness to be righteous in God’s sight.

Ask for Help

This life holds much temptation all around us. Go to God in prayer with things you are struggling to stay away from or situations you are finding difficult to navigate in a righteous manner. Whatever your struggles, God wants to hear them and be there to help you bear them, and He can provide a way to overcome them. Temptation and sin can be difficult opponents, but God’s strength and His Word are able to equip us to win the battle that we may have hope of our heavenly reward. So, go to God in prayer and talk about what’s difficult because He is there to listen to his children.

Conclusion

Prayer is such an important part of our Christian walk. It is our way of communicating with our Heavenly Father. So, do not neglect it. Pray to Him. Talk to Him. Use the aspects we identified in Jesus’ example prayer to guide you in your prayers.