What Did Jesus Pray for? Here’s What He Taught His Followers.

Summary

The video explores the profound simplicity of the prayer Jesus taught in the Sermon on the Mount. It delves into the two halves of the prayer: the first focusing on God's will and kingdom, and the second on human needs like daily sustenance and forgiveness. Jesus emphasizes trust in God's provision, forgiveness, and protection from evil. The prayer is seen as an invitation to align with God's purposes and participate in the reunion of Heaven and Earth, making Jesus' story our own through daily trust, love, and forgiveness.

Takeaways

• 🙏 Prayer is rooted in the belief that we can communicate with the God of the universe, which is quite mysterious.
• 📖 At the heart of Jesus' teachings, the Sermon on the Mount, he provides a simple prayer with two halves: one focusing on God's purposes, the other on daily concerns.
• 🌍 Jesus begins the prayer by addressing God as 'Our Father in the skies,' which signifies God's universal presence and power.
• 👑 Jesus doesn't call God 'King' but 'Father,' emphasizing the intimate relationship between God and humanity.
• ✝️ The prayer asks for God's name to be recognized as holy, reflecting God's unique status as the source of all reality and life.
• 👼 The prayer also seeks for God's Kingdom to come, where Heaven and Earth reunite, and people live by God's generosity and justice.
• 🍞 The request for 'daily bread' draws from Israel's wilderness journey, highlighting daily reliance on God's provision.
• 💔 Forgiveness is central, as Jesus teaches that forgiving others mirrors the forgiveness we receive from God.
• 🛡️ Jesus prays for protection from tests and the evil one, urging trust in God during trials and challenges.
• 🌟 Jesus embodied this prayer, especially before his crucifixion, showing how it guided him through life's greatest test.

Q & A

What is the central idea behind the prayer Jesus taught in the Sermon on the Mount?

The prayer is based on the idea that humans can talk to God and seek both God's purposes in the world and assistance in their daily lives. It invites people to align their lives with God's will.

What is the significance of calling God 'Our Father' in the prayer?

By calling God 'Our Father,' Jesus emphasizes the close, personal relationship between humans and God, portraying God as a loving parent who cares for His children, rather than a distant ruler.

Why does the prayer ask for God's name to be recognized as holy?

The prayer asks for God's name to be recognized as holy because God's holiness represents His unique and powerful status as the creator and sustainer of all life. It's a call for God's character to be respected and for His people to live as His holy representatives.

What does it mean to pray for God's Kingdom to come and His will to be done?

Praying for God's Kingdom to come and His will to be done means asking for God's reign of justice, love, and peace to be established on Earth, and for humans to live according to God's wisdom, reflecting Heaven’s values in their lives.

How does the request for daily bread relate to trust in God?

The request for daily bread refers to trusting God for daily provision, just as the Israelites relied on God for manna in the wilderness. It highlights reliance on God for basic needs, especially for those struggling in life.

Why does Jesus emphasize forgiveness in the prayer?

Jesus emphasizes forgiveness because it is central to His teaching. He taught that receiving God's forgiveness requires being willing to forgive others, as holding onto revenge continues cycles of harm and pain.

What does it mean to pray for deliverance from the 'evil one'?

Praying for deliverance from the evil one means asking for protection from temptations and lies that lead humans away from God. It is a plea for guidance in making choices that align with God's wisdom rather than self-interest.

How does this prayer relate to Jesus' own life and teachings?

This prayer reflects Jesus' own life, especially in His willingness to submit to God's will, as seen during His prayer before His crucifixion. It encapsulates His message of trusting God, loving others, and forgiving wrongdoers.

Why does the prayer end with asking God to lead us away from tests?

The prayer asks God to lead us away from tests because tests are moments of choice, where we must decide whether to trust God or rely on our own wisdom. It reflects a desire to avoid situations where we might be tempted to stray from God's path.

How does this prayer help individuals participate in God's Kingdom on Earth?

This prayer helps individuals participate in God's Kingdom by encouraging them to trust in God's provision, love and forgive others, and live according to God's will. It aligns personal actions with God's larger plan to unite Heaven and Earth.