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.”

( Luke 11:1)

Jesus didn’t tell his disciples to prepare their hearts, or to remember scripture, or to fast in preparation for their prayer. Jesus gave them words to speak with his Father God. It was as if a prince surrounded by his friends was asked, “How can we get an audience with your father, the King? They felt free to ask because they were friends of the King’s son. Jesus put no impediment in front of them. He gave them words that would convey to the King the closeness of these friends to His son.

“Our Father in Heaven, hallowed be thy name. Your Kingdom come, your will be done, on Earth as it is in Heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our sins, as we forgive those who sin against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil, for thine is the Kingdom, and the power, and the glory forever.”

The words of what we call “The Lord’s Prayer” have fed the spirits of Christians since the very day that Jesus uttered them. They are one of the golden links that hold the diverse world of Christian denominations together. They are personal words that link us as a family together . After his resurrection Jesus said to Mary Magdalene “I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.” (John 20:17)

In this prayer Jesus is sharing his very relationship to his Father with his disciples, and ultimately with all those who utter the words in faith.

Centuries earlier, God had shared His life with Abraham, and set in motion the tide of events which would lead to the Lord’s prayer: The Word of the Lord came to Abram in a vision: Do not be afraid, Abram. I am your shield, your very great reward.” (Genesis 15:1) It was the moment of the promise to Abraham that he would have a son and countless descendants. Abraham spoke freely with God, and believed that he himself, would become a father.

Jesus didn’t hesitate to tell his disciples that God is their Father, and that His life is connected to theirs. When we pray the Lord’s Prayer, we acknowledge the life of Jesus with his Father and our Father, and the words of God to Abraham echo to us : “Do not be afraid.”

Love in Him,

Prue