The Lord’s Prayer

September 23

(Luke 22:39-46 NIV) ““Jesus went out as usual to the Mount of Olives, and his disciples followed him. {40} On reaching the place, he said to them, "Pray that you will not fall into temptation." {41} He withdrew about a stone's throw beyond them, knelt down and prayed, {42} "Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done." {43} An angel from heaven appeared to him and strengthened him. {44} And being in anguish, he prayed more earnestly, and his sweat was like drops of blood falling to the ground. {45} When he rose from prayer and went back to the disciples, he found them asleep, exhausted from sorrow. {46} "Why are you sleeping?" he asked them. "Get up and pray so that you will not fall into temptation.””

(Ephesians 6:10-13 NIV) “Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. {11} Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. {12} For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. {13} Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand.”

Many can recite what is called the Lord’s Prayer. But that prayer was given to teach us how to pray. Its words were for our benefit. On the night He was betrayed, Jesus wrestled with God in prayer. This was the real Lord’s prayer: “Father, if there is a way to avoid the beating and the crucifixion that are coming, please help me find that way. But I want your will to be done more than mine, so I submit to your authority.” Christ was being tempted. His humanity recoiled at the pain and suffering of the cross. But His spirit was willing to go all the way for God. He also carried concern for His disciples. Their flesh was weak and they would be tempted to abandon Him in order to preserve their lives. They slept instead of praying, and fell into temptation -- they fled, leaving Jesus alone. Jesus prayed, and withstood temptation. The disciples didn’t pray, and failed. Do you see a pattern here? -- Friar Tuck’s Word of the Day