Embracing Intimacy and Reverence in Prayer

Summary

In Luke 11, Jesus’ disciples ask Him to teach them how to pray, and He responds with what we now call the Lord’s Prayer. This prayer is both simple and profound, inviting us into a relationship with God as our Father—a concept that was radical for Jesus’ original audience and can still feel uncomfortable for some of us today. Addressing God as Father is an invitation to intimacy, but it also calls us to hold together both closeness and reverence, recognizing God’s holiness and majesty.

The prayer continues with a longing for God’s kingdom to come and His will to be done. This is a call to desire God’s justice, mercy, and presence in our world, even when we don’t see it fully realized. There is a tension here—the “already and not yet” of God’s kingdom. Jesus has accomplished everything needed for God’s kingdom to be established, yet we still live in a world where suffering, conflict, and unanswered prayers exist. Sometimes, we see miracles and breakthroughs; other times, we are left with mystery and unanswered questions. In those moments, the invitation is not to focus on the “why,” but to look for Jesus’ presence in the midst of our circumstances, trusting that He is with us even when we don’t understand.

The prayer also teaches us to rely on God daily for our needs—our “daily bread.” This is a reminder that everything we have comes from God, and we are called to depend on Him moment by moment. It’s a call to humility and trust, recognizing our ongoing need for God’s provision.

Forgiveness is at the heart of the prayer—both receiving it and extending it to others. We are reminded that as much as we need God’s mercy, we are also called to forgive those who have wronged us. This is not easy, but it is essential for our own freedom and for reflecting the heart of Jesus to the world.

Finally, we ask God to lead us away from temptation, acknowledging our own weakness and our need for His guidance and strength. Prayer is not just a ritual, but a living, ongoing conversation with God that shapes our hearts and lives. Whether our prayers are long or short, structured or spontaneous, what matters is that we keep coming to God, trusting Him with our needs, our pain, and our hopes.

Key Takeaways

- Intimacy and Reverence in Addressing God
Calling God “Father” is an invitation to a deeply personal relationship, but it also requires us to hold onto a sense of awe and reverence. We are welcomed as children, yet we approach the One who is holy, the source of all life and goodness. This balance shapes our prayers and our posture before God, reminding us that intimacy with God never diminishes His majesty. [17:10]

- Living in the Tension of the “Already and Not Yet”
God’s kingdom has been inaugurated through Jesus, but we still experience brokenness and unanswered prayers. The mystery of why some prayers are answered and others are not teaches us patience and humility. Rather than demanding answers, we are called to seek Jesus’ presence in every circumstance, trusting that He is at work even when we cannot see it. [33:38]

- Daily Dependence on God’s Provision
Asking for daily bread is a practice of humility and trust, recognizing that we are not self-sufficient. Each day is an opportunity to rely on God for everything we need—physically, emotionally, and spiritually. This dependence keeps us grounded in gratitude and reminds us that God is our ultimate source. [41:30]

- The Transformative Power of Forgiveness
Receiving God’s forgiveness and extending it to others is central to following Jesus. Forgiveness is not about excusing wrongs, but about releasing the burden of resentment and entrusting justice to God. When we forgive, we reflect the mercy we have received and open ourselves to deeper healing and freedom. [45:40]

- Prayer as a Lifelong, Honest Conversation
Prayer is not about perfect words or lengthy rituals, but about honest, ongoing communication with God. Whether we pray for thirty seconds or three hours, what matters is that we bring our true selves—our gratitude, our anger, our confusion, and our hope—before God. In prayer, we are shaped, comforted, and drawn closer to the heart of God. [51:42]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[02:10] - Reading and Praying the Lord’s Prayer
[05:00] - The Diversity of the Body of Christ
[07:30] - Context: Luke’s Version of the Lord’s Prayer
[10:45] - Addressing God as Father
[17:10] - Hallowed Be Your Name: Reverence and Intimacy
[20:30] - Your Kingdom Come: Wrestling with God’s Will
[27:00] - The Mystery of Unanswered Prayer
[33:38] - Wisdom in the Tension: NT Wright’s Perspective
[38:00] - Focusing on Jesus in the Midst of Mystery
[41:30] - Daily Bread: Dependence on God
[45:40] - Forgiveness: Receiving and Extending Mercy
[49:59] - Lead Us Not Into Temptation
[51:42] - Practical Ways to Grow in Prayer
[56:38] - The Power of Prayer in Suffering and Joy
[59:00] - Closing Prayer and Encouragement

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide: The Lord’s Prayer (Luke 11)

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### Bible Reading

Luke 11:1-4 (ESV)
> 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.” And he said to them, “When you pray, say:
> ‘Father, hallowed be your name.
> Your kingdom come.
> Give us each day our daily bread,
> and forgive us our sins,
> for we ourselves forgive everyone who is indebted to us.
> And lead us not into temptation.’”

James 1:13-17 (ESV)
> Let no one say when he is tempted, “I am being tempted by God,” for God cannot be tempted with evil, and he himself tempts no one. But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire. Then desire when it has conceived gives birth to sin, and sin when it is fully grown brings forth death. Do not be deceived, my beloved brothers. Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change.

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### Observation Questions

1. In Luke 11:1-4, what are the main things Jesus tells his disciples to pray for?
2. According to the sermon, why was it radical for Jesus’ disciples to address God as “Father”? [[12:00]]
3. What does James 1:13-17 say about the source of temptation and the character of God?
4. In the sermon, what examples were given about the “already and not yet” nature of God’s kingdom? [[27:00]]

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### Interpretation Questions

1. What does it mean to hold both intimacy and reverence when addressing God as “Father”? Why might this be difficult for some people? [[17:10]]
2. The sermon talks about the tension of praying for God’s will when we don’t see it happening. How does the idea of “already and not yet” help us understand unanswered prayers? [[33:38]]
3. Why is daily dependence on God for “daily bread” important, even if we feel self-sufficient? [[41:30]]
4. How does forgiving others relate to our own experience of God’s forgiveness, according to the sermon? [[45:40]]

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### Application Questions

1. The sermon said that calling God “Father” is both an invitation to closeness and a call to reverence. Is there one side of this (closeness or reverence) that you find easier or harder? Why? How could you grow in the area that’s harder for you? [[17:10]]
2. When you pray for God’s kingdom to come or for His will to be done, do you ever get discouraged if you don’t see answers? How do you usually respond in those moments? What would it look like to focus on Jesus’ presence instead of the “why”? [[33:38]]
3. Think about your daily routines. In what areas do you tend to rely on yourself instead of God? What is one practical way you could remind yourself to depend on God for your “daily bread” this week? [[41:30]]
4. Is there someone you are struggling to forgive right now? What would it look like to release that burden to God, even if it’s hard? How might holding onto unforgiveness be affecting you? [[45:40]]
5. The sermon mentioned that prayer doesn’t have to be long or fancy—just honest. What is one way you could make your prayer life more honest or regular this week? (For example, setting a time, using a journal, praying with a friend, or just being real with God about your feelings.) [[51:42]]
6. The pastor shared about experiencing both miracles and unanswered prayers. Have you ever experienced a time when God didn’t answer your prayer the way you hoped? How did you process that, and what did you learn about God in the process? [[56:38]]
7. The Lord’s Prayer includes asking God to “lead us not into temptation.” Are there specific situations or habits where you need God’s help to avoid temptation? What step could you take this week to rely more on the Holy Spirit in those moments? [[49:59]]

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Closing Encouragement:
Remember, prayer is not about perfect words or rituals. It’s about coming to God honestly, with all that you are—your gratitude, your pain, your questions, and your hope. Whether you pray for thirty seconds or three hours, keep coming to God. He welcomes you.

Devotional

Day 1: Approaching God as Our Loving Father
To call God “Father” is both an invitation and a challenge—an invitation into a deeply personal, familial relationship with the Creator, and a challenge to look beyond our earthly experiences of fatherhood to the perfect love, care, and example shown by Jesus. Even if our own experiences with earthly fathers are complicated or painful, we are encouraged to see God as the ultimate Father: loving, attentive, and always present. This relationship is marked by both intimacy and reverence, as we are welcomed as sons and daughters while also recognizing God’s holiness and majesty. [19:30]

Luke 11:2 (ESV)
And he said to them, “When you pray, say: ‘Father, hallowed be your name. Your kingdom come.’”

Reflection: In what ways does your experience with earthly fathers affect how you approach God in prayer, and how might you intentionally embrace God as your perfect, loving Father today?


Day 2: Wrestling with God’s Will and the Mystery of Unanswered Prayer
Praying “Your kingdom come” and “Your will be done” means longing for God’s justice, peace, and goodness to be fully realized on earth, even when we don’t see it happening as we hope. There is a tension between knowing God’s will is good and seeing suffering, conflict, or unanswered prayers in our lives and world. We are invited to hold this tension with patience and humility, trusting God’s timing and presence even in mystery, and focusing not on the “why” but on “where is Jesus in this moment?”—seeking His presence and guidance in every circumstance. [33:38]

Matthew 6:10 (ESV)
“Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.”

Reflection: When you face situations where God’s will seems hidden or unanswered, how can you shift your focus from the problem to seeking Jesus’ presence and guidance in that moment?


Day 3: Depending on God for Daily Needs
“Give us each day our daily bread” is a reminder of our continual dependence on God for everything—physical, emotional, and spiritual. Just as bread was a daily necessity for Jesus’ original audience, we are called to rely on God moment by moment, recognizing that all we have and all we need comes from Him. This daily reliance keeps us humble, grateful, and aware of our need for God’s provision, rather than slipping into self-sufficiency or anxiety about the future. [41:30]

Luke 11:3 (ESV)
“Give us each day our daily bread.”

Reflection: What is one area of your life where you are tempted to rely on your own strength or resources instead of trusting God for your daily needs, and how can you surrender that to Him today?


Day 4: Forgiving Others as We Have Been Forgiven
Asking God for forgiveness is inseparable from extending forgiveness to others. We are reminded that, having been forgiven much by God, we are called to let go of grudges, offenses, and desires for payback, entrusting justice and mercy to God. Forgiveness is not excusing wrongs but releasing the burden of resentment, which ultimately frees us and reflects the heart of Jesus. This is often difficult, but it is essential for our own healing and for living out the grace we have received. [47:39]

Luke 11:4 (ESV)
“and forgive us our sins, for we ourselves forgive everyone who is indebted to us. And lead us not into temptation.”

Reflection: Is there someone you are struggling to forgive? What step can you take today to release that burden to God and pray for both your own heart and theirs?


Day 5: Relying on God’s Strength to Resist Temptation
Praying “lead us not into temptation” is an honest acknowledgment of our weakness and our need for God’s help to avoid situations that would lead us astray. God does not tempt us, but we are prone to sin and need the Holy Spirit’s guidance and strength to make wise choices. This prayer is a daily invitation to depend on God’s power, to listen for His warnings, and to trust Him to help us walk in integrity and truth. [50:54]

James 1:13-14 (ESV)
Let no one say when he is tempted, “I am being tempted by God,” for God cannot be tempted with evil, and he himself tempts no one. But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire.

Reflection: What is one temptation or recurring struggle you face, and how can you invite the Holy Spirit to help you recognize and resist it today?

Quotes

So here's how I look at it and I'm stealing this from someone else. Is this not so much the why that I'm after in the moment where I'm not seeing God's will happen, like God I know you don't want this, I know this isn't of you, you don't cause sickness, you don't cause pain, you don't, and we're praying, some amazing people praying, but yet it's not happening. Well, I'm not going to focus on the why in this moment, I'm going to focus on where are you Jesus in this moment. [00:40:01] (39 seconds)  #FocusOnJesusNotProblems Edit Clip

Next Jesus said give us each day our daily bread. This is to remind us that we need to rely on God day by day by day, moment by moment. God is our source for everything, everything in this world, everything created has its creation in God and its continued existence is because of God and God alone. We need God. The moment we start saying I don't think I really need God, that's when everything starts unraveling, that's when things start going awry and things go off track. [00:43:43] (36 seconds)  #FreedomInForgiveness Edit Clip

Forgive us our sins, for we also forgive everyone who sins against us. In this prayer, we're saying, God, I am a sinner. I need forgiveness, just like everybody else. And because I have been forgiven so much, because I have been forgiven so much, I need to forgive others. [00:46:05] (20 seconds)  #PrayerBuildsRelationship Edit Clip

Now, I know, and forgiveness can be hard sometimes. It's not saying what the other person did is okay. But it's saying all this frustration, this maybe this hate, this offense, whatever it is, I'm holding on to, I'm letting go. So, I am asking you, God, for mercy for me. I'm also asking for mercy for them, because I am relinquishing any payback, anything whatsoever. I am giving it all up. I'm giving this situation to you, God, to deal with it, because you are merciful and just and wonderful. And it's much better in your hands, God, than it is in mine. [00:46:25] (42 seconds)  #StartSmallPrayHonestly Edit Clip

``We were never designed to carry unforgiveness. I can tell you from experience, when we do, it hurts. It hurts so much. And we think somehow we're hurting the other person. But the only thing that is hurt, our person that is hurt in unforgiveness is us. And so, we're saying, God, I am sorry. I ask for forgiveness for myself. I am also choosing to forgive others. I'm asking for mercy for me and for them, to letting it go. To knowing that, God, I have been forgiven much. I must also forgive. I must lead by example, because if I call myself a follower of Jesus, Jesus, who did so much forgiveness, who taught unforgiveness so much, who died on the cross to forgive me, then I must also forgive. [00:47:07] (52 seconds)  #FaithGrowsThroughPrayer Edit Clip

And then lastly, Jesus teaches them to pray this, and lead us not into temptation. Well, we know from James, the book of James, I should say. I believe it's in chapter 1. I have it written down. Yeah, 1 .13 to 17. God does not tempt us. When tempted, no one should say, God is tempting me, for God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone. So why are we praying, lead us not into temptation? Well, we're saying this. We're acknowledging how prone we are to sin. God, help us rely on you when we are tempted. [00:49:35] (45 seconds)  #ComfortInPrayerfulAnger Edit Clip

Prayer is so important. It is a significant part of our faith journey with Jesus. It is so important for us to communicate with God. Because that's really what prayer is. It's this two-way communication with God. And I think I would be remiss if I didn't talk about some practical things that we can do to help ourselves pray more. Or maybe to pray deeper or to pray longer. [00:51:05] (28 seconds)  #KeepPrayingAlways Edit Clip

So pray I'd encourage you pray maybe you're a 30 second prayer type person great try pray for 35 seconds maybe you're a three hour prayer person awesome can I know who you are we'll invite you to the next prayer meeting um but whatever it is pray take that time to focus on God to say thanks to God to lay it all before him because amazing things happen in prayer amazing things happen in prayer. [00:58:43] (36 seconds) Edit Clip