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 PRAYER What did Jesus say about prayer? Lots and lots. For a start he taught his followers "the Lord's Prayer"... Father, hallowed be your name. May your kingdom come, and your will be done on earth as in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. Forgive our sins as we forgive those who sin against us. Do not put us to the test. (Luke 11:2-4) Jesus also gave his followers plenty of specific instructions. Here are a few examples. Pray simply – "Do not go on and on, babbling like the pagans, who think they'll be heard because they use so many words" (Matthew 6:7). Pray generously – "Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you" (Matthew 5:44). Pray with confidence – "Everyone who asks receives; those who seek find; and to those who knock the door will be opened. Which of you fathers, if his son asks for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a snake? If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him!" (Matthew 7:8-11). Pray with persistence – "Jesus told his disciples this parable to tell them to keep praying and not give up. 'There was a judge who cared neither for God nor man. A widow in his town kept coming to him with the plea, "Grant me justice against my adversary." For some time he refused. But finally he said to himself, "OK, I care neither for God nor man, yet because this widow keeps bothering me, I will see that she gets justice, so that she won't wear me out with her visits."' Jesus said, 'Think about what that unjust judge said. Won't God bring about justice for his chosen ones, who cry out to him day and night? Will he keep putting them off? I tell you, he will see that they get justice, and quickly'" (Luke 18:1-8). More of Jesus' sayings |
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