Scripture Focus:
Luke 11:1 (NIV)
“One day Jesus was praying in a certain place. When he finished, one of his disciples said to him, ‘Lord, teach us to pray, just as John taught his disciples.’”
Devotional
Prayer is often described as a natural part of Christian life, but if we're honest, many of us struggle with it. We wonder if we're doing it right, saying the right things, or being heard at all. That’s why Luke 11:1 is both comforting and eye-opening. Even Jesus' closest disciples didn’t pretend to know it all. One of them humbly asked, "Lord, teach us to pray."
This single verse is packed with depth. The disciples had seen Jesus pray; consistently, passionately, and powerfully. Something about the way He prayed stirred a deep longing in them. They realized that prayer wasn't just about repeating words; it was a vital, living connection with God. And they wanted to learn how to walk in that same intimacy.
Prayer is Learned, Not Inherited
We aren’t born knowing how to pray. It’s not something that comes automatically, even for those raised in religious homes. Like language, it’s learned through instruction, observation, and practice. And like any meaningful relationship, it grows deeper with time.
Jesus didn’t scold the disciple for asking. He didn’t say, “You should know this by now.” Instead, He responded with patience and gave them the Lord’s Prayer, a model to shape not just their words, but their hearts.
This tells us something important: Jesus welcomes our questions. He honors a teachable spirit. A desire to grow in prayer is not a sign of immaturity, it’s a sign of discipleship.
Biblical Reflection: Teachability in the Life of a Believer
Proverbs 9:9 says, “Instruct the wise and they will be wiser still; teach the righteous and they will add to their learning.”
Teachability is one of the core traits of a growing believer. The moment we stop learning, we stop growing. That includes learning to pray. Even seasoned Christians can hit dry seasons, where prayer feels difficult or lifeless. But God’s invitation to grow is always open.
The disciples had been with Jesus for a while before they asked this question. Their request shows that even proximity to spiritual things doesn’t automatically produce spiritual depth. It takes humility, hunger, and honesty.
Application: It's Okay to Struggle with Prayer
We must create a culture in the Church where it’s okay to say, “I don’t know how to pray well.” Too often, we assume everyone knows what they’re doing, and so many people feel ashamed to admit their struggles. But the truth is, we all start somewhere and none of us ever finish learning how to talk to God better.
Practical Encouragement:
- If you find prayer difficult, start with short, honest prayers.
- Use Scripture as a guide (especially the Psalms and the Lord’s Prayer).
- Ask someone mature in faith to mentor or pray with you.
- Keep a prayer journal—recording your prayers and God's answers helps build faith.
- Most importantly, don’t give up. God honors persistence and honesty more than polished words.
Prayer:
Lord Jesus, thank You for Your patience and willingness to teach us. I admit that prayer doesn’t always come easily. But like the disciples, I want to learn. Teach me to pray—not just to speak, but to listen, to trust, and to connect with You deeply. Help me be open about my struggles and to encourage others who are learning too. In Your name, amen.
Devotional Thought to Carry Today:
You don’t need perfect words to pray—you need a willing heart. Asking God to teach you is the first step to deeper connection.
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