Luke 11:1-13
How to Pray
TEXT:
Luke 11:1-13
(Contemporary English Version)
When Jesus had finished praying, one of his disciples said to him, “Lord, teach us to pray, just as John taught his followers to pray.”
So Jesus told them, “Pray in this way:
‘Father, help us to honor your name. Come and set up your kingdom. Give us each day the food we need. Forgive our sins, as we forgive everyone who has done wrong to us. And keep us from being tempted.’ ”
Then Jesus went on to say:
Suppose one of you goes to a friend in the middle of the night and says, “Let me borrow three loaves of bread. A friend of mine has dropped in, and I don't have a thing for him to eat.” And suppose your friend answers, “Don't bother me! The door is bolted, and my children and I are in bed. I cannot get up to give you something.”
He may not get up and give you the bread, just because you are his friend. But he will get up and give you as much as you need, simply because you are not ashamed to keep on asking.
So I tell you to ask and you will receive, search and you will find, knock and the door will be opened for you. Everyone who asks will receive, everyone who searches will find, and the door will be opened for everyone who knocks. Which one of you fathers would give your hungry child a snake if the child asked for a fish? Which one of you would give your child a scorpion if the child asked for an egg? As bad as you are, you still know how to give good gifts to your children. But your heavenly Father is even more ready to give the Holy Spirit to anyone who asks.
REFLECTIONS:
Throughout history, as humans have tried to figure out how we are supposed to understand and relate to God / the Divine / the Cosmic-Life-Force-That-Vibrates-At-The-Frequency-of-Love, the loudest voices have often suggested that what is most fundamental about our humanity and what is most fundamental about God are in opposition to each other.
So we learn to relatel from a place of separation and fear.
But here's what Jesus is trying to suggest:
1. God's reality is meant to be experienced here on Earth, among us.
2. Justice is about mutual restoration, not punitive retribution.
3. God is happy to give us good things. God is for us and only acts in ways that lead us into fullness.
I like this version of God way more.
PRACTICE:
Outward Mindset Application What hard or uncomfortable thing have you been avoiding? Do it today.
Pathways Toward Centeredness What is a subject you wish you knew more about? Spend 30 minutes this week researching that thing.
Questions for Consideration What do you remember being your earliest image of God? Was it a God you liked? Or disliked? When you feel most connected to the Universe / the world around you, what truths are easier to believe about yourself?