Lutheran Thoughts on the Lord's Prayer

Lent has got me thinking about the Lord's Prayer and my education concerning said prayer. Who knew that a command was such a beautiful gift?

"One day Jesus was praying in a certain place. When he finished, one of his disciples said to him, 'Lord, teach us to pray, just as John taught his disciples.' He said to them, 'When you pray, say..." [Luke 11:1-2]

With these words Jesus commands us to pray. Jesus does not say, "If you pray..." or "One may pray..." He gives a direction, "When you pray..." pray in this manner—and the Lord's prayer follows (Luke 11:2-4 and Matthew 6:9-13).

What does it mean that Jesus commands you to pray? Does it mean he requires your prayers or that you must satisfy God with your prayers? Certainly not. Jesus' command is a gift to you for four reasons:

1. Jesus commanded you to pray so you know that he hears your prayers. You have free reign to stuff his email box with your every little need because he commanded you to do it. In his command he promises he will attend to your voice. When you doubt whether Jesus is listening to you, trust the promise in this command that, indeed, Jesus hears you.
2. Jesus commanded you to pray because you are one of God's children. Just as loving moms and dads ask their children, "How was school today?" Jesus tells you through this command that he wants to hear from you, one of God's sons or daughters. He cares deeply about you, the joyful longings of your heart, and the fearful questions in your soul.
3. Jesus commanded you to pray so that your dependence on God did not depend on your feelings. When do you need God? Always. When do you feel like you need God? Sometimes. Your feelings are fickle. God is not. Jesus commanded you to pray to promise you that God is always there hearing you, supporting you, and transforming you, even when you don't feel like it.
4. Jesus commanded you to pray and then taught you how. He did not leave you stranded without any words to offer. When you have no thoughts in your head and only pain or joy in your heart, Jesus says, pray this way...

Our Father in heaven

• Jesus wants you to know that you are addressing your prayer to God who loves you and listens attentively to you as a devoted father and a nurturing mother do.

Hallowed be your name

• God's name is holy because God has power. God is alive and working in the world. God will change your life. The Holy God will make you clean and unblemished. The God who hears your prayer is mighty and will respond to you with strength.

Your Kingdom come

• God's kingdom is breaking into this world every day. In this prayer, you ask that it might become more and more real in your life and in the lives of those around you.

You will be done on earth as in heaven

• God and God's people work every day to hinder evil, promote life, and spread the goodness of God's kingdom to everyone. In this prayer, you ask that you might be a part of bringing this about.

Give us today our daily bread

• God cares about all the things you need for this life: food, clothing, a good home, useful work, an upright family, a trustworthy government, loyal friends, and everything else. God cares about the nitty gritty of your here and now. In this prayer, you ask that you might have what you need, but you also acknoledge that all these things come from God.

Forgive us our sins as we forgive those who sin against us

• When God hears your prayer, God will not hold your sins against you. God listens intently to the cares of your heart despite your sinfulness. Therefore, you pray that you may also forgive and do good to others.

Save us from the time of trial and deliver us from evil

• God knows times will come when you will suffer. God does not abandon you; Jesus wants you to pray to him especially during times of hardship. In this prayer, you trust that God is present and will help you, even at the hour of death itself, taking your pain into himself and raising you to new life.

For the kingdom, the power, and the glory are yours, now and forever. Amen.

• "Amen" means, "Yes, it will happen." God has commanded you to pray and you can have complete assurance God has heard you. So when you pray, pray with confidence. God is good and God listens to your prayer.