We learn by example and by being taught. There are a few things we might learn on our own. Whether its playing a musical instrument, learning to write, or throwing a curveball, we usually consult someone who is already good at doing that thing.This is what the disciples did when they came to Jesus and asked, “Lord, teach us to pray” (Luke 11:1). Now my first reaction is that every young Jewish boy went through basic religious instruction. They had been taught to pray. Every devout Jew would pray three times a day! They knew how to pray.But they saw something different in Jesus. Jesus lived a life to the fullest, a life that radiated beauty and blessing; he loved and healed; he taught and guided. It was filled with laughter as well as sorrow. He could sleep through a storm. He could heal with a touch or a word. His life was not filled with material wealth, but he never wanted.Imagine a life like that. But how did Jesus live such a life? Yes, He was divine, but he told us to live that “abundant life.” Not a life filled with material possessions, but filled with God’s Spirit and truth.The disciples saw something different in Jesus. They saw something about His prayer life that was different. That’s what they wanted.They saw His example. Notice the prayer life of Jesus. In Mark 1:35 we read, “Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed.” Then in Mark 6:46, “After leaving them, he went up on a mountainside to pray.” And Luke 5:16, “But Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed.”So the disciple’s ask, “Teach us to pray.” Now sometimes when we are learning a new skill we are taught what NOT to do, and that’s what Jesus did. He began by giving a lesson on what they should not do. He reminded them of what the “hypocrites” do, emphasizing that they should not follow that example.In Matthew 6:5, he tells them that their prayer must not be for show or public recognition. Jesus was not telling them that they should not pray in public! But he is wanting them to think about why they are praying. He referred to people praying “that they may be seen by others.” They were wanting the ...
