Prayer Requests in 13b

Luke 11:1-13, I know I had read this passage on prayer many times before. But there is so much richness in the words of Christ, even the last phrase of his teaching may have profound impact. I have heard it used in many sermons and teachings on the "way" to pray. But all stopped at 13a or read over it without examining it.

Luke 11:13b is a strange way to end a discourse in which Jesus teaches the pattern, persistence, boldness and entreaty in prayer. After praying in a "certain place," Jesus was questioned by His disciples about how to pray. Their motives may have been pure, but it is interesting that they tacked on "just as John taught his disciples." To this simple request, Jesus gives us prayer 101, session 1. (For a great example of truly the "Lord's Prayer" see His priestly prayer in John 17.)

Of course it is obvious from reading this passage, we must include certain elements into our prayer life, we must have the tenacity of a friend in need in the middle of the night, we must specifically ask, seek and knock and we must know that God is just and will answer our prayers with His "good gifts." Stopping there you could assume that all this lesson was focused on was meeting needs we readily recognized: "daily bread," forgiveness, ability to forgive others, "it," doors opened, "fish" and an "egg." But what is it that your Father in heaven is so eager to give you that He is just waiting for your request?

Although it might have been far from the disciples' minds (of that day and today) it was not far from the prophet Joel's mind as he was inspired to write of Him coming. It was not an obscure element of Paul's theology, but central in the victorious Christian life as depicted in so many of his writings and in particular in Romans chapter eight. And most importantly, as noted in this chapter, and more extensively in John chapters fourteen through seventeen, Jesus held this request to be The Source for all who are to be called by His name.

What should be the prayer request as a result of prayer 101 session 1? The Holy Spirit to those who ask the Father. Of all our praise, thanksgiving, and requests, the asking for the Holy Spirit is central in the answering of all of them. Without the Spirit of God we are spiritually powerless and will live a sham of a God-explained life. I'm sure Jesus' disciples made many requests of Him in person and in prayer after His Ascension, but it was the fulfilment of their prayers at Pentecost when the Holy Spirit came that the disciples shook the world. All of our needs, which God has promised to provide for from His glorious riches, come in line after what Jesus implied should be our request, the very Spirit of God. It is in that dynamic relationship with the Triune God, that propels us in His movements in this world.