Say Something
There have been many and varied studies done on this passage. Some people use this prayer, or its companion in Matthew, as a formulaic prayer to be repeated. Others view this prayer as an outline of several types of prayer, which is a good application though it can lead to unwarranted complexity.
The truth is, the disciples wanted and needed to know how to pray. Jesus recognized that the disciples did not need a mantra to mumble mindlessly, nor did they need a complex dissertation on prayer. The disciples needed to know quickly and simply how to pray.
The simple answer was Jesus' strength (but one of many, to be sure). He received complex questions and gave simple answers that all could understand and apply. This is no exception. Jesus knew that, when it comes to prayer, the most important thing is to say something--anything, really.
Our relationship to God is just that--a relationship. One of the most important aspects of any relationship is communication. Without communication, it is difficult, if not impossible, to have a real relationship. Communication within a relationship usually boils down to two elements: listening and talking. In our relationship with God, listening is accomplished by reading our Bible. God has said pretty much all He needs to say, we just need to find out what He said. Talking, in our relationship with God, is accomplished by prayer. It's that simple: prayer is talking to God.
So, what did Jesus say to the disciples? He essentially told them to just say something. If they felt in awe of God, they should say something worshipful, like "Hallowed be Your name." If they felt a little home sick for God's kingdom, they should say something like "Your kingdom come." If they saw the mess that is made when men follow their own wisdom and will, they should say something like, "Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven." If they had a need they should ask for what they needed, "Give us this day our daily bread." If they had sinned, they should ask for forgiveness, "And forgive us our sins," (On this one, He also warned them to be forgiving to others--our ability to feel forgiveness is ever tied to our ability to extend forgiveness.) If they were feeling tempted, they should ask for help, "And do not lead us into temptation (for we can find it ourselves), but deliver us from the evil one."
The truth is, the disciples wanted and needed to know how to pray. Jesus recognized that the disciples did not need a mantra to mumble mindlessly, nor did they need a complex dissertation on prayer. The disciples needed to know quickly and simply how to pray.
The simple answer was Jesus' strength (but one of many, to be sure). He received complex questions and gave simple answers that all could understand and apply. This is no exception. Jesus knew that, when it comes to prayer, the most important thing is to say something--anything, really.
Our relationship to God is just that--a relationship. One of the most important aspects of any relationship is communication. Without communication, it is difficult, if not impossible, to have a real relationship. Communication within a relationship usually boils down to two elements: listening and talking. In our relationship with God, listening is accomplished by reading our Bible. God has said pretty much all He needs to say, we just need to find out what He said. Talking, in our relationship with God, is accomplished by prayer. It's that simple: prayer is talking to God.
So, what did Jesus say to the disciples? He essentially told them to just say something. If they felt in awe of God, they should say something worshipful, like "Hallowed be Your name." If they felt a little home sick for God's kingdom, they should say something like "Your kingdom come." If they saw the mess that is made when men follow their own wisdom and will, they should say something like, "Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven." If they had a need they should ask for what they needed, "Give us this day our daily bread." If they had sinned, they should ask for forgiveness, "And forgive us our sins," (On this one, He also warned them to be forgiving to others--our ability to feel forgiveness is ever tied to our ability to extend forgiveness.) If they were feeling tempted, they should ask for help, "And do not lead us into temptation (for we can find it ourselves), but deliver us from the evil one."
