January 11, 2020: SOAP #3691:  Genesis 27-28; Psalm 4; Luke 11

Scripture:  Luke (NIV) 11:2 He said to them, “When you pray, say: “‘Father, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come. 3 Give us each day our daily bread. 4 Forgive us our sins, for we also forgive everyone who sins against us. And lead us not into temptation.’”

Observation:  This passage, known as The Lord’s Prayer, is not really the Lord’s prayer.  That can be found in John 17.  This should be called The Disciple’s Prayer for it was given by Jesus to them at their request.

As I was reading it this time, some words stood out to me:  us, our, us, our, we, us, and us.  Jesus is not teaching me an individual prayer, but a group prayer—for those with whom I identify.  Most people who have memorized this passage, also found in Matthew 6:9-13, know it as the “Our Father.”

Application:   Jesus did not leave me alone in this world.  He left me with others.  The body of Christ is not just me; it has many members.  There are many verses in the Bible that tell us how to treat “one another.”  Jesus said that our love for each other would be proof of His life within us.

Who is my “us,” my “our,” my “we?”  When I use those words, to whom do they most often refer?  I should pray this prayer with them.

Prayer:  Holy Spirit, the next time I quote these verses as a prayer, help me pray as Jesus intended for us to pray.  Enlarge my heart to pray with and for others.   Amen

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity!