Teach Us to Pray

Lectio Divina out loud: Erika Dix is grateful to the disciple who asked Jesus to teach us to pray.

He was praying in a certain place, and when he had finished, one of his disciples said to him, “Lord, teach us to pray just as John taught his disciples.” (Luke 11:1)

Prayer is not just an action, but it is also a place, a feeling, a connection, and so many other reactions to how God calls us to Him. I am so grateful to the disciple who asked Jesus how to pray because due to that request we have the “perfect” prayer, in my opinion. After this, Jesus goes on to share the “Our Father” with his disciples. This prayer is literally given to us from God, through His Son, so it has to be perfect! We have a clear understanding of what God wants to hear from us.  

A Certain Place 

Jesus liked to go off to pray, often into the wilderness or on a mountain top, but I wonder that since this verse did not specifically list a place, it was left open to interpretation by us. We are to choose a certain place, just for us to pray to God. To make a connection and to listen sometimes needs the right conditions. A quiet place, or one filled with noise or music. A simple place, or one filled with vivid, beautiful imagery. An interior place, or outside to view the wonders of God’s creation. There are so many choices for so many different types of people and prayer. No wonder Jesus did not specify a place that God prefers, but leaves us to choose our own certain place to pray.  

Teach Us to Pray 

When asked, Jesus does not say, “Figure it out!” Instead, He provides a perfect framework for us to begin a connection to our loving Father. And it truly is a beginning. It is the start of a loving conversation, a therapy session, a frightened confession, a time to vent frustration, and any number of ways to bring our feelings to God. Jesus wants us to have the same connection He has to our Father, and He does not stop there. You can ask Him any time using the same words as the disciple: “Lord, teach me to pray.”   

Our hearts long for a connection, especially to our Creator. That longing is summed up beautifully by Jesus’ disciple when he asks to be taught to pray after seeing Jesus finish up His own prayer. It is wonderful to have a teacher for our own prayer, a teacher that responds with love and caring to guide us on our own paths to our Father.   

Prayer:

Jesus, teach us to pray every day in every way in every place that brings us closer to our Father.  

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Copyright 2025 Erika Dix
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