Our reading today is Luke 11:1.
“One of his disciples said to him, ‘Lord, teach us to pray.’”
Simple words. Profound request!
Prayer isn’t instinctive—it’s learned. Like tying shoes or saying “thank you,” someone shows us how. Maybe your first prayer was whispered at bedtime: “Now I lay me down to sleep…” Or maybe it was a nervous grace before Thanksgiving dinner. Either way, someone taught you.
Jesus’ disciple saw something in the way the Master prayed—something worth imitating. He didn’t ask, “Teach us to preach,” or “Teach us to lead.” He asked, “Teach us to pray.”
Why? Because prayer is the language of faith. Let me say that again, “Prayer is the language of faith.” It is what faith does.
Faith doesn’t always shout. Sometimes it simply sighs, “Help me, Lord.”
I wouldn’t dare say, “If you don’t pray, you don’t have faith.” That feels harsh. But I will say, “If you have faith, you will pray.”
Not necessarily like Daniel—three times a day, facing Jerusalem. Not always on your knees for an hour. But you’ll pray.
Because faith talks. And God listens.
God is your Father. You are His child. And children talk to their father.
So go ahead. Speak. Whisper. Cry.
Just pray. It’s what faith does.
I’m Lonnie Davis, and these are thoughts worth thinking.