He (Jesus) was
praying in a certain place, and when he ceased, 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 thy name. Thy kingdom come. Give us each day our
daily bread; and forgive us our sins, for we ourselves forgive every one who is
indebted to us; and lead us not into temptation."
And he said to them, "Which of you who
has a friend will go to him at midnight and say to him, 'Friend, lend me three
loaves; for a friend of mine has arrived on a journey, and I have nothing to
set before him'; and he will answer from within, 'Do not bother me; the door is
now shut, and my children are with me in bed; I cannot get up and give you
anything'?
I tell you, though he will not get up and give
him anything because he is his friend, yet because of his importunity he will
rise and give him whatever he needs.
And I tell you, Ask, and it will be given you;
seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For every one who
asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened.
What father among you, if his son asks for a
fish, will instead of a fish give him a serpent; or if he asks for an egg, will
give him a scorpion? If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to
your children, how much more will the heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to
those who ask him!" (Luke 11:1-13)
How Should We Pray?
As we examine this week’s lesson, the core of our Christian prayer
life is revealed. We remember that Jesus regularly prayed to the Father, as recorded several
times during his ministry in scripture. He prayed notably in scripture at his baptism, also when asking for divine
oversight after choosing of disciples. He prayed for the plight of others, for strength in
the Garden of Gethsemane, and also when asking forgiveness for us when dying upon
the cross. The scriptural source
for this particular instructional prayer narrative came likely from the
“Q” (quelle) document source… since the elements appear in both Matthew and
Luke,
In Matthew’s account, we see that the prayer was indeed more elaborate
and told
as part of a highly developed teaching during the Sermon on the Mount
(Matthew 6:9-15). Luke gives basically the same teaching. However,
though simpler, the content was likely
closer to the text of the actual source material. Also in Luke… as
somewhat non-descript, the site of the prayer and Jesus’ discourse with
his
disciples was portrayed as occurring while they are all on the way to
Jerusalem.
We may therefore deduct that the event was reconstructed by both gospel
writers, but
did occur, however we note that the Lukan narrative was written far from
the
actual geographical scene. Luke was somewhat lacking in knowledge about
the Galilean and Judea geography. Given this geographical disparity, I
feel that the Matthean version is thus closest to the geographical
location and sequential time frame.
Regardless of timing
and location, however, in teaching the prayer method Jesus related that his followers should
pray to our Father (pater) in traditional Hebraic fashion. This meant that they not use
the Father’s divine name... out of great respect. In fact, he reminds the
disciples to state that “hallowed” (hagiastheio in the Greek means holy) is his
name. Jesus also taught
that we need to approach the seat of the throne of graceful and divine listening…
rightly commending that God’s kingdom should reign.
Jesus taught his
followers, who are as we… sinful and finite, to always address the glory of the
Father and give due recognition to the creative power of God. Thus only may we as
sinful disciples place our request before the perfect Father, respectfully reminding
our Creator of that need which is already known.
Jesus told the
disciples that daily bread as sustenance should be requested. Here we must say,
that in Christ, bread is much more than bread. Indeed, our day-today life
supporting requirement for both breath and bread demonstrates our total
dependence, but asking for such shows awareness that both of these needs are
only met through God’s power. Not only in using these words do we ask for
material things, we also ask for the presence of the “living Bread of Heaven”,
Jesus Christ himself.
Today we are reminded
that it is Christ Jesus who comes to us through the power of the Holy Spirit.
He is the Son of God who completed all that was needed for our eternal life. Therefore
through the gift of Christ, made known by the Spirit, we are assured of
forgiveness of sins or debts before the Father. These things we obtain not for
our sake, but for the sake of Jesus who went to the cross for our salvation.
However, important in
our study here, we must be reminded that at the time of this teaching by Jesus,
the attendance of the Holy Spirit was not asked, for the Spirit was not given
until Pentecost (Acts 2:1-4). The Spirit, as Luke would attest was not granted
until after the death, Resurrection, and Ascension of Jesus.
Why Midnight?
Biblical criticism
brings us now to consider likely that the two nested parables in the reading that
come not from the “Q” source, but were exclusive to Luke. Herein we may offer
that the Lukan scribe addressed some particular needs of his community through
the telling of these illustrations.
In the first portion,
Jesus tells of a friend who inquired of food at midnight for the feeding of another friend. In the days of
Luke’s gospel writing, feeling that persecutions and the last days (eschaton) were
pressing hard upon them, the midnight
hour may have had profound symbolism. Also we note that the friend asked for
precisely “three loaves”. My imagination allows thoughts that this number may signify
early, developing concepts of Trinitarian theology.
We also note that in
the telling is the fact that the friend had barred the door against the night’s
dark foreboding? Evil critters foray within night’s darkness. Jesus related
that almost begrudgingly the man arose to unbar the door and assist his
neighbor. To me, this character flaw offers rejection to any interpretations
stating that the sequestered neighbor represents God the Father. A question forms
for me, however, as to whether the Lukan purpose for relating the parable is told
to challenge his churches amid rising Roman persecutions. We need ask today whether,
as followers of our Lord, we are challenged to arise in an evil world and open our
securely barred church doors for inquirers who bang on the door while wading in
the darkness of their lives.
Subsequently, in the latter
portion of the story, the parable points to faith freely given by the Spirit who
has secured all that that we are and have. We may ask, “Are we not encouraged
by that same Spirit to open up and share the never-ending Trinitarian three
loaves of what has been provided? Should we not share what we know to be true with
those who yet ask, seek and knock?” I believe that this is indeed the thrust of
this Lukan discourse to his churches. Rather than hunkering down under the dark
threat of the Roman Empire, he calls them to yet
be evangelical.
We lastly find that
this gospel lesson returns us to the “Q” source, but Luke substituted elements
as used in Matthew’s telling. The great threatening figures of serpent and scorpion
in Matthew, become fish and egg. The latter items are found as very early
Christian symbols. Consequently the discourse grabs the threat of impending
danger and death… symbols representatively found on so many flags of Roman
legions that were held high by the empire over against the life bearing power
of the Easter message… and modifies them to focus us on the basics of faith and
life.
Faith in God’s
providence is thus taught in this lesson. This reading in Luke chastises our infant
house churches, pointing us to those which were pressed by synagogue community
representatives.
You see, the Jewish
authorities had gone to the Romans, warning against the growing Christian
community. In the face of Roman threat, Luke boldly witnessed of prayer and the
resounding love of God given through the Holy Spirit. In times of uncertainty, therefore,
we who would hide enclosed within the church today are also Spirit assured… we
are to speak toward faith expressed through Jesus Christ alone, as told best by
the Word of God alone. Thanks be to God!
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May the Peace of God, that surpasses all human understanding, keep your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus, our Lord. Amen.
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