This week’s Pastor to Person is written by Pastor Caleb Beller.
[Luke 11:1 ESV] 1 Now Jesus was praying in a certain place, and when he finished, one of his disciples said to him, “Lord, teach us to pray, as John taught his disciples.”
There is an old preachers’ story that goes something like this, A hermit was meditating by a river when a young man interrupted him. “Master, I wish to become your disciple,” said the man. “Why?” replied the hermit. The young man thought for a moment. “Because I want to find God.” The master jumped up, grabbed him by the scruff of his neck, dragged him into the river, and plunged his head under water. After holding him there for a minute, with him kicking and struggling to free himself, the master finally pulled him up out of the river. The young man coughed up water and gasped to get his breath. When he eventually quieted down, the master spoke. “Tell me, what did you want most of all when you were under water.” “Air!” answered the man. “Very well,” said the master. “Go home and come back to me when you want God as much as you just wanted air.”
This story makes me laugh when I hear it. I think at times we feel like this is what will happen when we ask God to teach us something. A crude or cruel lesson, maybe even a condescending look or response to our request. Two things I love about the disciple’s question. First, they asked because they wanted to be more like Jesus. They had seen Jesus pray and knew something was different. They were drawn to want to be more like Jesus. Second, Jesus’ loving and gracious answer becomes some of the most repeated words of the NT. What is so special was not some magic words, but a beautiful picture of a powerful relationship that changes not just how we pray but what we pray for.
I am so grateful that they asked that question, and even more grateful that He answered. His answer changed the whole prayer paradigm since. Is there anything you see about Jesus where you want to be more like Him? Have you asked Him? Take some time this week to think, pray, ask the Lord to teach you! I can’t wait to hear the things He wants to teach you!
-Pastor Caleb