Friday, March 1, 2013
Luke 11:1-2a Now it came to pass, as He was praying in a certain place, when He ceased, that one of His disciples said to Him, "Lord, teach us to pray, as John also taught his disciples." So He said to them, "When you pray, say: Our Father in heaven ..."
PASSIONATE PRAYERS OF OUR SAVIOR -- TO THE HEAVENLY FATHER
Jesus, all our ransom paid, All Thy Father's will obeyed,
By Thy sufferings perfect made: Hear us, holy Jesus.
(The Lutheran Hymnal, 185:1)
I have been taught and known "The Lord's Prayer" for as long as I can remember. But I have a problem with that prayer. Not with the prayer itself, but I often have a problem with myself when I pray it. It is such a familiar prayer and used so often that it is oh so easy for me to speak without thinking about what I'm saying.
Jesus clearly taught His disciples what it meant to pray "Thy will be done." Earlier this week we caught a glimpse of Jesus praying that prayer in the Garden of Gethsemane; fully knowing what kind of pain, suffering, anguish, and abandonment He would face in the next few hours. He knew He was about to drink the cup of His Father's full wrath for the sins of the world; ALL my sins too ... as I nailed Him to the cross.
Save us in our soul's distress, Be our Help to cheer and bless
While we grow in holiness: Hear us, holy Jesus.
(The Lutheran Hymnal, 185:2)
Jesus taught His disciples, including me today, the importance to remember whom I am addressing in my prayers: "My Father in Heaven." What does this mean? It means that my Father in Heaven who created me has also shown me the height and depth and width of His love. He sacrificed His perfect, innocent, and dearly beloved Son on the cross to spare me His wrath and just judgment! What wondrous and lavish love is this! What wonderful and eternal peace is mine! What splendid beauty is this that I have been taught by my Lord and my Savior to joyfully and confidently pray: "My Father in Heaven, hallowed be Your name!"
Brighten all our heavenward way, With an ever holier ray
Till we pass to perfect day: Hear us, holy Jesus.
(The Lutheran Hymnal, 185:3)
