The most basic foundation of Christian faith is Prayer. Lord, thousands of years ago taught us how to pray and what to pray in Matthew 6. The prayer looks simple on the outside but, when we study it sentence by sentence we see many layers and deep meanings.
Every sentence in this prayer is packed with knowledge and insight into the relationship we can have with The Father. We can also see Who the Father is and how we can revere Him. This blog series is aimed to share my insights and learning about the prayer Lord taught us. We divided this blog into 7 part series for ease of the reader. It has been an edifying process for me and I hope that everyone who reads this is edified and blessed by it.
“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.”
luke 11:1
Yahshua was praying in a certain place and the disciples were there observing Him pray. When the prayers were over, the disciples came to Him and asked, Lord, teach us to pray. When we look at the backdrop, we can see a clearer picture. Praying, during those days, had to have a certain protocol that was to be followed very carefully. During that time there was a law to be maintained and a certain procedure to be followed to know when to pray, for who, where to pray, how to pray. It was taught to every Jew and they followed very meticulously.
Maybe that is the reason why disciples asked Yahshua to teach them how to pray. They might have seen something different from their methodical prayers, hence they said teach us to pray. Besides, they observed that John the Baptist taught his disciples so our Rabbi must also teach us might have been their intention. Howbeit Yahshua saw the desire to learn and taught them how to pray.
At another place Yahshua has given an example and told how not to pray. There were those people who like to pray when others are watching. Yahshua gave this as an example and told how not to pray, “And when thou pray, thou shalt not be as the hypocrites are: for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets, that they may be seen of men. Verily I say unto you, they have their reward.” Matthew 6:5
Author : Ajit Onawale
