Ask. Search. Knock.

AM Psalm 78:1-39 • PM Psalm 78:40-72
Deut. 8:11-20 • James 1:16-27 • Luke 11:1-13

Do you think the disciple who said to Jesus — Lord, teach us to pray — was wanting to learn method or technique? Maybe an insider’s tip? I think they wanted to learn how to grow closer to God, how to give thanks, how to ask for help. Luke’s account of our Lord’s prayer is the briefest in the gospels but filled with all that we need.

Father —

An intimate term here, a loving and accepting figure rather than authoritative. Earlier in Luke, Jesus has joyfully addressed God as Father and now tells us to also.

Hallowed be your name.

We will keep it sacred and holy.

Your kingdom come —

We know the kingdom of heaven has already been revealed in and by Jesus; he wants his followers to announce it, too, though yet unfulfilled. This has also been written by other ancient authorities as Your holy spirit come upon us and cleanse us.

Give us each day our daily bread —

Other ancient authorities wrote our bread for tomorrow. Either wording, isn’t it wonderful to realize that through the mystery and grace of God, we can step from proclaiming the kingdom of God to the humble request for tomorrow’s bread?! We are invited to turn to God in all things, to trust that he will care for us — just as he cares for the tiniest sparrow! I love Rev. Meda Stamper’s* reflection on why we pray for daily bread instead of a month’s worth of baguettes:

Beyond the hope that we will neither worry nor hoard, is a desire to be so fully awake to the day-to-day things of life that we will not miss Jesus’ presence with us.

Forgive us our sins, for we ourselves forgive everyone indebted to us.

Another translation for forgiveness is release. Another instance of mystery and grace, yes? Forgiveness provides such spiritual release for both the forgiver and the forgiven, we are blessed in either space.

Do not bring us to the time of trial — (aka, rescue us from evil).

Jesus reminds us to pray for our defense when temptation comes, as it came even to him and to his apostles.

Luke relates how Jesus explained prayer. Ask, and it will be given you; search, and you will find; knock, and the door will be opened for you. Jesus promises the Holy Spirit is waiting and ready to feed and protect us. He tells us to be persistent — not because our prayers change God’s mind but because we are changed by prayer.

We are changed by prayer! Truly, the mystery and grace of God has no end.

* Working Preacher, Rev. Meda Stamper

Written by Bernadette Reda

Bernadette is grateful for St. Paul’s church since walking through the doors in 2004.