"And it came to pass, that, as he was praying in a certain place, when he ceased, one of his disciples said unto him. Lord, teach us to pray, as John also taught his disciples" (Lk. 11:1). The disciples were desiring to learn about prayer and how to pray. Our attitude should be the same as theirs. I want to study about prayer and improve my praying. Do you feel the same way?
I'm afraid that we all neglect prayer. We are not as concerned about it as we should be. We don't pray as much or as often as we should or even could. It becomes much of a ritual of reciting words and phrases which have come to have no meaning to us. Care is not always taken to do it right. We do not always pray for things or people as we ought. Thus we, along with the disciples, must say, "Lord, teach us to pray."
Praying is something that we must learn to do. We ask to be taught so many things (e.g. how to sew, speak, sing, play an instrument, type, speed read, et. al.). Why don't we ask how to pray or to be taught to pray? How many of us would make such a request? Is it that we feel that prayer is automatic or spontaneous? Do we think that we have some natural instinct about prayer that the disciples didn't have? Could it be that we do not have as great a desire to pray as the disciples had? Do we not care to pray properly?
There are a few things that are indicated in the request that the disciples made of the Lord.
1. Indicates A DESIRE To Know How
I want to know how the Lord wants me to pray. I believe that was the very notion of each of these followers of Christ. The dedicated Christian whose soul "panteth... after... God" (Psa. 42:1), longs to come into his presence in request and thanksgiving.
If I had the opportunity to talk with the President or some king, I would make all the preparation I possibly could. I would read books, and ask hundreds of questions about how you talk to such an honorable person. I would want to know the proper way to address such an one. Certainly we should be no less considerate and careful in addressing the creator of the universe.
The request, "teach us to pray," says we want to know how to do it.
2. Indicates That We NEED To Be Taught How
Knowing how to pray properly doesn't come naturally. I think that we many times fail to observe this point in teaching the young and new converts. They learn how to pray by listening to the brethren who lead public prayers. While there is much good in that, there is more to learn about praying.
The fact that we need to be taught is seen in Matt. 6:9-13 when Jesus took the time to give his disciples a sample prayer and teach them how to do it. This fact is also seen in the realization that there can be and needs to be improvements in our praying. Oh yes, "Lord, teach us" for we need to be taught.
3. Indicates A WILLINGNESS To Be Taught
Many people desire to know more, but are not willing to let someone teach them. They simply are not eager enough to learn. We must be willing to learn and make any corrections that are demanded by the Lord's teaching. This, of course, requires a degree of humility. When we humble ourselves as a child (Matt. 18:1-4) who asks questions and opens his ears realizing that someone must teach him, our readiness to learn will be evident.
We must put forth great effort to improve our praying and overcome any and all hindrances (1 Pet. 3:7) that we may have. Our willingness to be taught means that we will not be offended by the suggestions made for our improvement.
4. Indicates A Realization Of Its IMPORTANCE
Prayer is not a matter about which we are to be casual or careless. The disciples realized that prayer was of such importance that they must learn how it is to be done. Is not talking to our creator important? Is it not worthy of the time and effort it takes to be taught? After all, remember that our spiritual life and salvation are dependent upon our prayers.
- Searching the Scriptures, Sept. 1986