Devotion 

Lord, Teach Us To Pray

Frances Taylor 

The disciples asked Jesus to teach them to pray. We know the prayer, but was that the only thing Jesus was trying to teach them? Jesus is also teaching them how to pray, praise for God came first, the desire to God's will is next, then we can ask for what we need as well as asking forgiveness for the times we have not lived as God wants us to do. After asking for forgiveness, we ask God to help us avoid the sins we just confessed. The only thing missing in the prayer is that of thanksgiving, which Jesus has told us is important. Knowing prayers is important especially when we pray together as a community, but it is also important to know that Jesus didn't suggest that only formal prayers is enough. In fact he tells us not to babble on as the pagans do! When we listen to Jesus' prayer at the grave of Lazarus or in the garden, or when he offers a prayer of blessing, he is not using a formalized prayer but is speaking to God as his Father. He is inviting us to do the same by beginning what we call "The Lord's Prayer" by saying, "Our Father." May we follow the example of Jesus.

Prayer 

Dear God, Father of us all, may we always come to you to praise and thank you, to ask for your forgiveness as well as for our needs and the needs of others knowing that you will listen to us, your children. Amen.