“Praying the Lord’s Prayer”, Sermon on Luke 11:1-4
Summary: In these uncertain times (aren’t all times mostly uncertain?), prayer is one of the disciplines we use to communicate our sorrows, disappointments and grief to a God who continually expresses his love for us. But it’s also a time when we can communicate our thankfulness, joys and hopes to God as well. And through Scripture, we are able to see how prayer is the primary method of communication Jesus turns to when he needs his Father’s strength and wisdom.
Luke 11:1-4 New Revised Standard Version (NRSV)
11 He was praying in a certain place, and after he had finished, one of his disciples said to him, “Lord, teach us to pray, as John taught his disciples.” 2 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 indebted to us.
And do not bring us to the time of trial.”
Secondary Scripture Reading from Matthew 6:9-15
9 “Pray then in this way:
Our Father in heaven,
hallowed be your name.
10 Your kingdom come.
Your will be done,
on earth as it is in heaven.
11 Give us this day our daily bread.
12 And forgive us our debts,
as we also have forgiven our debtors.
13 And do not bring us to the time of trial,
but rescue us from the evil one.
14 For if you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you; 15 but if you do not forgive others, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.
*New Revised Standard Version (NRSV)
New Revised Standard Version Bible, copyright © 1989 the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Next Steps:
- Read at the beginning of each day the Lord’s Prayer from Matthew 6 and Luke 11. Not after you check email or turn on the morning news….first thing!
- After 3-4 days, craft your own ‘Lord’s Prayer’ – try expressing the same thoughts with different words.
Go in the Peace of Jesus Christ to Spread the Good News! – Amen.