Prayer isn’t something we naturally know how to do—it’s a Spirit-taught behaviour we learn through Christ. In Luke 11:1, the disciples came to Jesus with a heartfelt request: “Lord, teach us to pray.” Jesus answered with a pattern, principles, and promises that guide us into a deeper prayer life. This passage shows us how to approach God in prayer with confidence and persistence. Let’s explore four lessons Jesus teaches us in Luke 11:1-26 about how to pray—and how to see His power unfold in our lives.
1. The Pattern of Prayer (Luke 11:2-4)
Jesus gives us a model for prayer, often called the Lord’s Prayer, which Matthew 6 expands on: “When you pray,” make it a habit; “enter into your closet and shut the door,” set apart a sacred space; “your Father seeth in secret,” know you’re meeting with God alone. The prayer begins with “Thy”—God’s name, kingdom, and will—putting His glory before our needs. Only then do we ask for “my” daily bread (provision, wisdom, strength), forgiveness (as debtors to grace, we forgive others), and deliverance from the evil one. This pattern teaches us to prioritize God’s purposes while trusting Him for our needs. Imagine starting your day with this prayer—how might it reorder your heart to put God first?
2. The Persistence in Prayer (Luke 11:5-10)
Jesus often withdrew to pray—early in the morning (Mark 1:35), after ministry (Luke 5:16), or all night before major decisions (Luke 6:12). Even Judas knew where to find Him – praying in His prayer garden (Luke 22:39-41). Why such persistence? Because answers to prayer often come with delays, and Jesus doesn’t always explain why. Instead, He urges us to keep praying through. He explained this in three contrastive parables: the unfriendly neighbour finally gave bread to his friend who kept knocking (Luke 11:5-8), the unjust judge eventually gave justice to a persistant woman (Luke 18:1-8), and the earthly father who gives good gifts to a child that asks so why wouldn’t your Heavenly Father give good things? (Luke 11:11-13). Luke 18:1 sums it up: “Men ought always to pray, and not to faint!” When you’re tempted to give up, keep knocking—God hears you.
3. The Promise in Prayer (Luke 11:11-13)
Jesus assures us of answered prayer: “Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you” (v. 9). The promise is twofold: God gives “good things” (Matthew 7:11) and, most importantly, the Holy Spirit to those who ask (Luke 11:13). The Spirit brings power, presence, wisdom, guidance, and the fruit of a godly life (Galatians 5:22-23). James 1:17 reminds us, “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights.” When we pray, we’re not begging a reluctant God—we’re asking a Father who delights to give what’s best. What “good gift” are you asking God for today?
4. The Power in Prayer (Luke 11:14-26)
Jesus illustrates the power of prayer through three “houses”:
- The Dumb House (vv. 14-16): A man possessed by a “dumb devil” couldn’t speak to Christ in prayer. When Jesus cast out the demon, the man spoke, showing that prayer connects us to the One who sets us free.
- The Divided House (vv. 21-23): Satan is a “strong man,” but Jesus is stronger. Prayer binds the enemy when we yield to Christ, forcing us to choose: are we with Jesus or against Him?
- The Desolate House (vv. 24-26): A man cleansed of a demon but left empty becomes worse off when evil returns. Reformation without transformation—self-righteous morality without Jesus—leaves us vulnerable to the entrance of Satan. The religious leaders of Jesus’ day were “white-washed sepulchres” (Matthew 23:27), outwardly moral but inwardly dead. True power in prayer comes from a heart transformed by Christ, not just one that has been cleaned up by outward rules.
Conclusion: Hear and Obey
Jesus has taught us how to pray—with a pattern that honors God, persistence that trusts His timing, promises that assure His goodness, and power that transforms our lives. But hearing isn’t enough. Luke 11:28 says, “Blessed are they that hear the word of God, and keep it.” Let’s pray as Jesus taught us—starting today. Set aside time to pray the Lord’s Prayer, persist in asking for what you need, and trust the Father’s good gifts.
- Listen: Check out our latest Pastoral Thoughts Podcast episode with Dennis Celestine, where we discuss his ministry in Grenada and our upcoming missions trip. Subscribe at pastorjack.org.
- Share: If this post encouraged you, share it with a friend and leave a comment below—how has Jesus’ teaching on prayer impacted you?