Words of Life: An Enduring Legacyনমুনা

Lord, teach us to pray.

Hebrew boys usually had at least a measure of education, but unless they were amongst the best students, they tended to drop out from school and return to their parents’ business at some point. But all good Jewish boys knew how to pray.

Prayer was part of temple life. The disciples had grown up with it. Despite this, when they had followed Jesus for a while, they came and asked to be taught how to pray as he did. John the Baptist had instructed his followers, and Jesus’ followers wanted him to help them. Clearly, Jesus’ approach to prayer was a marked contrast from the teachers of the law and Jewish leaders at the temple. Something of the authenticity they found in Jesus called from deep within their souls, and they wanted more of it.

In response, Jesus avoided teaching contemplation or meditation – he didn’t advocate ritual. He simply showed them that prayer was engaging intelligently, but simply with his Father in Heaven. He taught them that their prayers could make the impossible possible.

Invading the impossible with prayer was to be an ongoing lesson for these first followers, as it is for us. Sometimes they excelled and got it just right, but on other occasions they failed miserably. However, under Jesus’ guidance, they gradually learnt their lessons and became potent godly men who could call on God in every situation they faced.

We have that same opportunity to learn. No matter how long we have been disciples, no matter where we stand in our prayer life, there is more for us to learn – and who better to learn from?

Lord Jesus, as the disciples came to you, so do I. Lord, teach me how to pray. Show me how my prayers can make the impossible possible. Amen.