Jan.14.03: Light For The Day - "Teach us to Pray" -- Luke 11:1 (RSV) "He was praying in a certain place, and when He ceased, one of his disciples said to Him, "Lord, teach us to pray, as John taught his disciples." ---------------------- Lord, teach us to pray. Some of us are not skilled in the art of prayer. As we draw near to Thee in thought, our spirits long for Thy Spirit, and reach out for Thee, longing to feel Thee near. We know not how to express the deepest emotions that lie hidden in our hearts. In these moments, we have no polished phrases with which to impress one another, no finely moulded, delicately turned clauses to present to Thee. Nor would we be confined to conventional petitions and repeat our prayers like the unwinding of a much-exposed film. We know, our Father, that we are praying most when we are saying least. We know that we are closest to Thee when we have left behind the things that have held us captive so long. We would not be ignorant in prayer and, like children, make want lists for Thee. Rather, we pray that Thou wilt give unto us only what we really need. We would not make our prayers the importuning of Thee, an omnipotent God, to do what we want Thee to do. Rather, give us the vision, the courage, that shall enlarge our horizons and stretch our faith to the adventure of seeking Thy loving will for our lives. We thank Thee that Thou art hearing us even now. We thank Thank Thee for the grace of prayer. We thank Thee for Thyself. -- Peter Marshall -------------------------- -- Matthew 6:9-13, 14,15 (RSV) 9 "This, then, is how you should pray: "‘Our Father in heaven, hallowed be Your name, 10 Your kingdom come, Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. 11 Give us today our daily bread. 12 Forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. 13 And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one." 14 For if you forgive men when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. 15 But if you do not forgive men their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.