Robert Law explains, “Prayer is a mighty instrument, not for getting man’s will done in Heaven, but for getting God’s will done in Earth.” In response to His disciple’s request, “Lord, teach us to pray” (Luke 11:1), Jesus presents a primer on prayer in Luke 11:2-13. Let me point out three things about prayer from this passage.

First, note Jesus teaches what to express in prayer. Luke 11:2-4 reads, “So He said to them, ‘When you pray, say: Our Father in heaven, Hallowed be Your name. Your kingdom come. Your will be done On earth as it is in heaven. Give us day by day our daily bread. And forgive us our sins, For we also forgive everyone who is indebted to us. And do not lead us into temptation, But deliver us from the evil one.” Here, Jesus gives a pattern for prayer involving surrender to God and His kingdom and supplication for daily needs. These requests imply the danger of gluttony, grudges, and gullibility, which are serious concerns to express in prayer.

Second, note Jesus teaches what to exhibit in prayer. Luke 11:5-8 reads, “And He said to them, “Which of you shall have a friend, and go to him at midnight and say to him, ‘Friend, lend me three loaves; for a friend of mine has come to me on his journey, and I have nothing to set before him’; and he will answer from within and say, ‘Do not trouble me; the door is now shut, and my children are with me in bed; I cannot rise and give to you’? I say to you, though he will not rise and give to him because he is his friend, yet because of his persistence he will rise and give him as many as he needs.” Here, Jesus gives a parable about persistence. In essence, He explains you are already doing this, now exhibit persistence in prayer.

Third, note Jesus teaches what to expect in prayer. Luke 11:9-13 reads, “So I say to you, ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened. If a son asks for bread from any father among you, will he give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will he give him a serpent instead of a fish? Or if he asks for an egg, will he offer him a scorpion? If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him!” Here, Jesus gives another parable about a son’s request of his father. God’s children are to expect answers to prayer as well as assistance in prayer. Remember, the ministry of the Holy Spirit in our prayer life is critically important (Romans 8:26-27).

Dr. Franklin L. Kirksey, of Robertsdale, is the author of "Don't Miss the Revival! Messages for Revival and Spiritual Awakening from Isaiah.