Luke 11:2 07.14.22
SCRIPTURE: Luke 11:2 (AMP)
“When you pray, say: ‘Father, hallowed be Your name’
OBSERVATION:
Jesus gives a Three Part Lesson on praying—which Begins and Ends with a new way to relate to God—Father.
UNDERSTANDING:
One of the disciples watched Jesus as He was praying—once Jesus had finished—the disciple decided to ask Jesus if He would teach them all how to pray.
What came next was shocking.
As Jesus began to instruct His disciples on prayer the First declaration became “how to address God” in prayer—Abba, Father.
Can it be that HE, who is from Everlasting to Everlasting, the Holy of Holies, the Infinite One—really regards me as His Child?
Prior to the time of Jesus, God was regarded as someone beyond reach. Only with fear and foreboding did anyone dare address themselves to HIM who sat in the ‘high and holy’ place. HE is referred to as Yahweh-the name which dared not even be uttered for mortal fear of offense. Now, here, Jesus, casting all restraint aside, teaches the disciples to approach God—openly—freely—as a child would come to their own Daddy and cry out—Abba, Dearest Father.
Jesus drew a line in the sand with His disciples that day…and the same line is there for us as Christ Followers Today. A line we are invited to cross over that undergirds our prayer life and identifies us in deep intimate relationship as ‘God’s Very Own Children’.
“And because we are HIS children, God has sent the Spirit of HIS Son INTO our hearts, prompting us to call out, “Abba, Father.” Now you are no longer a slave but God’s OWN child. And since you are HIS child, God has made you his heir.” (Galatians 4:6-7 NLT)
“So you have not received a spirit that makes you fearful slaves. Instead, you received God’s Spirit when he adopted you as His OWN children. Now we call him, “Abba, Father.” For his Spirit joins with our spirit to affirm that we ARE God’s children.” (Romans 8:15-16 NLT)
LIFE APPLICATION:
When you pray, say—Father.
Jesus also explained in this Three Part Teaching that we may need to Pray for certain things with a degree of persistence.
What is on your heart that has gone unanswered? Jesus explains to His disciples the need for diligence to “KEEP ON” asking, seeking, and knocking.
“And we are confident that he hears us whenever we ask for anything that pleases him. And since we know he hears us when we make our requests, we also know that he will give us what we ask for.” (1 John 5:14-15 NLT)
Jesus closes this Three Part Lesson with a comparison between earthly Fathers and our Heavenly Father.
“If you, then, being evil [that is, sinful by nature], know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask and continue to ask Him!” (Luke 11:13 AMP)
How much More will Your Heavenly Father Give?
Your Heavenly Father Loves you with a Perfect Love-Perfect Wisdom-and Perfect Compassion. HE has Perfect Mercy and Perfect Grace towards you AND Perfect understanding of your situation and every need EVEN Before you ask.
So, When you go to God, and you unload what’s on your heart—persistently—remember—Your Heavenly Father is delighted with you. Because, HE, with His Perfect Love, and Perfect Wisdom, and Perfect Goodness and Perfect Provision—Knows Your Needs—and is able to GIVE the absolute BEST to His Children. (Inspired by John MacArthur)
Dearest Father,
Thank You for the GIFT of Your Love. Thank You for the Gift of Your invitation to be Your Very Own Child. Thank You for the Opportunity to Share this Gift. I pray You give me Your Heart to see as many people as You Provide in my pathway to receive this wonderful Gift to be called ‘God’s Own Child’. In Jesus Name.
Amen.
Tina L Kudelka