Reading: Luke 11:1-13

I wonder which disciple this was (and more importantly, why he asked this):

“And it came to pass, that, as he was praying in a certain place, when he ceased, one of his disciples said unto him, Lord, teach us to pray, as John also taught his disciples” (1).

This morning I am impressed by the brevity of Jesus’ lesson.

I’m also struck by the lesson’s points of focus:

• Remember our relationship with God.
• Declare God’s greatness and holiness.
• Promote His kingdom.
• Surrender to His will.
• Request sufficient-to-the-day satisfaction of basic needs.
• Recognize our sin and ask His forgivness.
• Have a forgiving heart.
• Ask for victory over evil.

Such little and so brief focus on my own needs and desires, eh?!

Oh to pray with a growing consciousness of God, His kingdom, and His righteousness!

And to live that way also!

On that last item on the list: I know my own weaknesses, so pray, Mark! For watchfulness, for carefulness, for strength, for courage, for determination, for victory.

from Luke 11:8

A little bit more from Luke 11: Pursue What You Need

Some good, important questions are asked insincerely, with the intent to entrap. To know how to respond, we need the wisdom and direction of God.

Jesus faced plenty of such questions. Today’s reading begins with one such occasion.

“And, behold, a certain lawyer stood up, and tempted him, saying, Master, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?” (Luke 10:25).

Well, to inherit something to have to be something: a child of the owner. I think that’s a good answer. But Jesus didn’t go that route. Instead He asked a question of His own: What does the law say?

And the insincere, tempting lawyer got the answer right!

“And he answering said, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind; and thy neighbour as thyself” (Luke 10:27).

So . . . .

Will I inherit eternal life?

A little bit more from Luke 10: One Thing Is Needful