Asking in Prayer

Introduction by Richard Walker:

I am indebted to many people for the thoughts expressed in these pages. There is nothing original here, except perhaps whatever thoughts are foreign to the mind of God. If I have misrepresented Him in any way, I hope He will forgive me.

I believe that praying can be taught. Jesus’ disciples asked Him to teach them to pray. They said,

“Lord, teach us to pray, as John also taught his disciples.” (Luke 11:1)

This request apparently pleased Jesus, for He set about to teach His disciples to pray. He began by repeating for them (Luke 11:2-4) parts of a sample prayer that He had given them earlier (Matthew 6:9-13). The earlier prayer, as recorded in the gospel of Matthew, is often referred to as “the Lord’s prayer.” It goes like this:

“Our Father in heaven, Hallowed be Your 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 debts, as we forgive our debtors.

And do not lead us into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one. For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.” (Matthew 6:9-13)

Just before Jesus gave this prayer to His disciples, He had said to them,

“In this manner, therefore, pray:” (Matthew 6:9)