INTRODUCTION
Luke 11:1-4
In our text for this week, Jesus models faithful prayer for his disciples. The prayer life of Jesus is a common theme in the Gospel of Luke (3:21; 5:16; 6:12; 9:18, 28–29), and in Luke 11:1, Jesus’ prayers prompt one of his disciples to seek guidance. Undoubtedly, there’s no one better to teach us how to pray than the Lord Jesus himself.
Concerning the value of modeling our prayers after Jesus’s instructions in Luke 11:2–4, William Barclay writes, “Someone has said that the Lord’s Prayer has two great uses in our private prayers. If we use it at the beginning of our devotions, it awakens all kinds of holy desires which lead us into the right pathways of prayer. If we use it at the end of our devotions, it sums up all we ought to pray for in the presence of God” (The Gospel of Luke, 171). May the Lord enrich your devotions as you reflect upon and pray through Christ’s words in this week’s passage.
Discovering the Passage
Take time to pray, asking the Lord to grant a clear understanding of this week’s passage.
After praying, read Luke slowly and thoughtfully. Write down any words that need explanation and/or questions that come to mind.
What does Luke 11:1–4 teach us about prayer?
Studying the Text
Jesus teaches his disciples to pray (vv. 1–4).
1 1 Now Jesus was praying in a certain place, and when he finished, one of his disciples said to him, “Lord, teach us to pray, as John taught his disciples.”
2 And he said to them, “When you pray, say:
“Father, hallowed be your name. Your kingdom come. > 3 Give us each day our daily bread,
4 and forgive us our sins,
for we ourselves forgive everyone who is indebted to us.
And lead us not into temptation.”
Keywords and Concepts:
What is significant about the title “Father” in verse 2?
What is implied by Jesus’ saying “When you pray” rather than “If you pray”?
What does it mean for God’s name to be “hallowed (v. 2)”?
What specific petitions are found in verses 2–4?
What does it mean to forgive those indebted to us (v. 4)?
Connecting to the Whole:
What additional details do you observe about the Lord’s Prayer in Matthew 6:9–13?
How does Jesus’ parable in Matthew 18:21–35 instruct us to forgive those indebted to us?
What instructions does Paul give concerning prayer in 1 Timothy 2:1–8?
Applying the Text:
Voices from the Past:
“Secret, fervent, believing prayer lies at the root of all personal godliness.”
(William Carey)
How does this text challenge the way you think about and practice the spiritual discipline of prayer?
Jesus modeled prayer for his disciples. How are you modeling prayer for others?
In your life, what are the common hindrances you face with regards to prayer?
Is there anyone in your life currently that is indebted to you in some way and stands in need of forgiveness? Ask for the Lord’s help to genuinely forgive that individual.
Reflect on the “So What” question from Sunday’s Sermon. What does it look like to live out this challenge practically and personally?
Praying The Word
Growth Group - Pray that we would depend on you and live in a sense of need such that we call upon you in prayer (Luke 11:1).
Parkwood - Pray that Parkwood would be a church that honors the name of Christ and desires his kingdom to come (Luke 11:2).
Neighbors - Pray for the needs of your neighbors and for God’s provision for them (Luke 11:3).
Nations - Pray for the nations (perhaps where your connected worker lives) to repent and call upon Jesus for the forgiveness of their sins (Luke 11:4).
SOURCES
Barton, Bruce B., David Veerman, Linda Chaffee Taylor, and Grant R. Osborne. Luke. Life Application Bible Commentary. Wheaton, IL: Tyndale House Publishers, 1997.
Bock, Darrell L. Luke: The NIV Application Commentary from Biblical Text to Contemporary Life. Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1996.
Garland, David E. Luke. Zondervan Exegetical Commentary Series: New Testament, V. 3. Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 2011.
Morris, Leon. Luke. Tyndale New Testament Commentaries. Nottingham, England: IVP Academic, 2008.
Thompson, Alan J., Andreas J. Köstenberger, and Robert W. Yarbrough. Luke. Exegetical Guide to the Greek New Testament. Nashville, TN: B&H Academic, 2016.