Jesus’ Blueprint for
Prayer
‘OUR
FATHER’
After following Jesus for two years, watching him
perform many miracles, listening to him teach and preach, spending time with
him alone, and hearing him call on His Heavenly Father in prayer, they came to
him and asked, “Lord, teach us to pray
just as John also taught his disciples.” (Luke 11:1)
Jesus
gathered them around him and gave them a prayer model or format to follow. He
told them that a good way to begin prayer is to address God as “Our Father…”
To a Jewish
person who adhered strictly to the Law, the words “Our Father” would seem
foreign, maybe even blasphemous. At no time during the Old Testament period
would your ever hear a Jew using those words. Yet, because of Jesus’ death and
resurrection , we are instructed over 275 times in the New Testament to address
God as “Our Father.”
The term our
-- speaks of ownership. When you go to buy a car and pay the price, you
become owner of the car. That’s what Jesus did for us on the cross. He shed his
blood to purchase our redemption and we now belong to him. He is the owner of
our soul.
The term father
– speaks of the personal relationship we have with the owner. During my boyhood years when I needed
consolation, comfort, or help with a problem, I went to my father. As my
earthly father he loved and took care of my needs. Now as a believer I can go
to my Heavenly Father in my hour of need.
Prayer, Dear Lord, thank you for making it possible
for me to address you as Our Father.
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