Sermon - 9 after Pentecost "a living prayer for the journey"

Sermon – 9th after Pentecost
Luke 11:1-13
July 25, 2010
Journey with Jesus sermon series part 5
“a living prayer for the journey”

It is clear (especially in Luke’s gospel) that Jesus was rooted in prayer, and he often retreated to pray (3:21-22; 4:42; 5:16; 6:12; 9:18; 10:21-22; 22:39-46).
The disciples noticed this, and asked, “Lord, teach us to pray…”
On our journey with Jesus (sermon series), prayer is a key part of discipleship
As the disciples walk with Jesus they are learning more and more the importance of prayer for their own guidance. We see in the book of Acts (sequel of Luke) the importance of prayer as the Church was developing.

And Jesus answers their request with the Lord’s Prayer.
The Lord’s Prayer gives the disciples a framework of not only how to pray but about discipleship. Just as Jesus is intimate with God and rooted in prayer, so the disciples are to be.
The Lord’s Prayer has become such an integral part of the church, the one prayer we all know. It is said at the end of AA meetings and at the every meeting at Trinity. The words are written on our heart, it is such a deeply rooted prayer in our spirit. That is why whatever version you first learned it (the traditional version, or in Spanish or another language), that version is deeply meaningful for us.
When we recite this prayer, the challenge is: how can this continue to be a living prayer in our lives? I think by looking closely at each part of the prayer and reflecting on it as it relates to what is happening in our lives.

Let us look at the Lord’s Prayer (in Luke) part by part. The prayer begins “Father.”
We address God as the parent. God takes care of us as a parent would. The spoke word was likely the Aramaic word “abba,” an informal and intimate way of addressing one’s father like “daddy.” This illustrates the type of open and honest conversation prayer is. Jesus wants us to talk freely to God. God desires intimacy, we can skip the formalities.

“Hallowed be your name.” The God we are close to is also the God of the Universe, the holy of holies. In fact, God’s very name is hallowed. What’s in a name? Everything. In a name is the essence of the person.
May all revere and call on God’s name.

“Your Kingdom come.” The Kingdom or Reign of God is the way of God. Not only is it future coming of God’s kingdom, but it is happening in Jesus and continues to in the here and now. So, might the way things are in heaven be made manifest in the here and now. May God’s way be our way. As we pray this we can reflect on: What would the Kingdom come look like in the here and now specifically? How can we be a part of it?

“Give us each day our daily bread.” In the Exodus the pilgrims relied on manna from heaven. When the disciples and 70 were sent out they were rely on the hospitality of others. We are praying for daily provisions, sustenance; that we would receive our daily nourishment (physically and spiritually). We are acknowledging God is the provider, and sustainer. It is a prayer for “our” daily bread, that all people would be filled (a part of the Kingdom come). What are specific needs in our lives, in the lives of our neighbors? How can we be or provide daily bread?

“And forgive us our sins, for we ourselves forgive everyone indebted to us.” God extends grace and forgiveness to us and with all of humanity, and we to relationships that are based on grace and to extend forgiveness to others in the same way. What are our sins? What do we need to be forgiven of? In what ways do we need to forgive others?

And finally, “And do not bring us into the time of trial.” Keep us from all trials and temptations. What temptations do we struggle with in our lives?

In this prayer, and in prayer generally, the God of the Universe can be experienced in communal and personal prayer.
Think about that! We can have intimate conversations with the creator of the universe. That is what we are called to be Jesus...
Like going to a friends house, doesn’t matter the hour. It’s not like we’re going to wake God up, or bother God with our prayers. Because we are called to intimacy with God.
So whatever concern is on our heart, our hopes, passions, our fears…we can come before God with that prayer. Ask! Seek! Knock!

Amid any frustrations we might have about the way or timing our prayers are answered, we have assurance in a God that calls us to a close and intimate relationship, that God wants to hear our prayers and God listens to them.
Like any relationship, communication is key.

On this winding road, the journey may seem long and tough at times. But today we are reminded to continue to pray on this journey, and assured that our God walks with us closely and listens to our prays. Amen.