By Pastor Kris
Hertsgaard Kincaid
Christ Lutheran Church, Preston
Have you noticed how much Jesus prays? Throughout the Gospel of Luke, we see Jesus pray when he is baptized, lonely or tired, and making important decisions. One of the prayers Christians recite most often is the Lord’s Prayer. Jesus taught this prayer after being asked by a disciple for Jesus to teach him how to pray. Disciples knew how to pray. We can’t know for sure, but theologians believe the disciple sought the deep love, trust, peace, and renewed strength he witnessed when Jesus was finished praying.
When Jesus responded he said, “When you pray.” Jesus expects us to pray and throughout our lives we are taught prayers to use at certain times. As children we are often taught bedtime and mealtime prayers. We memorize these prayers, and they remind us in every situation we face God wants us to pray, and God hears our prayers. In response to the disciple, Jesus taught him the Lord’s Prayer. The Lord’s Prayer reflects the first two commandments, to love God, and to love your neighbor. The first words of the Lord’s Prayer emphasize God is tender. Through the Holy Spirit God is among us, and we pray to recognize God’s presence. The second part of the Lord’s prayer teaches us about love, specifically to love our neighbor.
Writer Anne Lamott is quoted as saying, “I do not know much about God and prayer, but I believe there is something to be said about keeping prayer simple.” She gives us three words: Help. Thanks. Wow. Where is help needed? What good do you see in the world? How has God amazed you? Today and every day, God hopes to hear your prayers. Dear God, I pray.
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