chrisaltrock.com

Today is the 19th day of Lent, a 40 day season of spiritual reflection, repentance, and renewal.  During these 40 days we’ll explore the prayer life of Jesus, walking chronologically through every mention of Jesus’ prayer life and prayers in the Gospels.

Here is today’s prayer event:  20 When it was evening, he reclined at table with the twelve. 21And as they were eating, he said, “Truly, I say to you, one of you will betray me.” 22And they were very sorrowful and began to say to him one after another, “Is it I, Lord?” 23He answered, “He who has dipped his hand in the dish with me will betray me. 24The Son of Man goes as it is written of him, but woe to that man by whom the Son of Man is betrayed! It would have been better for that man if he had not been born.” 25Judas, who would betray him, answered, “Is it I, Rabbi?” He said to him, “You have said so.” 26 Now as they were eating, Jesus took bread, and after blessing it broke it and gave it to the disciples, and said, “Take, eat; this is my body.” 27And he took a cup, and when he had given thanks he gave it to them, saying, “Drink of it, all of you, 28for this is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins. 29I tell you I will not drink again of this fruit of the vine until that day when I drink it new with you in my Father’s kingdom.” (Matt. 26:20-29 ESV)

What a stunning contrast–Jesus reveals his betrayer but then blesses the bread and gives thanks for the cup!  Here is another example of Jesus blessing–in this case, giving thanks.  Jesus has every reason to complain, to groan, and to grieve.  Yet, he blesses the bread and gives thank for the cup.

Jesus was following the prescribed routine associated with the Passover Meal.  By custom, he was supposed to bless the bread and give thanks for the cup.  Yet this scene demonstrates how habits and traditions like “saying grace” or “saying the blessing” can be critical.  Especially in difficult times, the simple habit of still “thanking God for this meal” can be formative.

Do you “say grace” at every meal?  Why?  Why not?  How could you be more intentional about this practice so that it cultivates a more thankful spirit within you?  When you do “say grace,” what do you say?  What other words/phrases might make this habitual prayer more formative?

[image: http://www.flickr.com/photos/pepesanta/4367204563/]

Today is the 13th day of Lent, a 40 day season of spiritual reflection, repentance, and renewal.  During these 40 days we’ll explore the prayer life of Jesus, walking chronologically through every mention of Jesus’ prayer life and prayers in the Gospels.

Here is today’s prayer event:  1Now 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.” 2And he said to them, “When you pray, say:  “Father, hallowed be your name. Your kingdom come. 3 Give us each day our daily bread, 4and forgive us our sins, for we ourselves forgive everyone who is indebted to us.  And lead us not into temptation.” (Luke 11:1-4 ESV)

Joachim Jeremias (”The Prayers of Jesus”) writes that in the Judaism of Jesus’ time it was common for individual religious groups to have their own customs and practices regarding prayer (63).  We know that the Pharisees and the Essenes had prayer practices unique to their groups.  It appears from the text above that John’s disciples did as well (”Lord, teach us to pray, as John taught his disciples.”).  Thus, here, the disciples ask Jesus to give them their own unique prayer.  They want a prayer that will set them apart from the other religious groups.  They literally want a “Jesus-Prayer.”

But what was the “Jesus-Prayer”?  What prayer would distinguish Christ-ians from all others?  What would it mean to pray in a distinctly Christ-like way?

Jeremias argues that one particular word makes this prayer distinctly Christian.  One specific word sets this prayer, and all of Jesus’ prayers, apart from the known prayers of other religious groups of the time: the word “Father.” (63)

 What is the significance to you of the fact that we pray to “Father,” and not just “God” or “LORD”? 

Take a few moments and write on a sheet of paper 10 qualities of an ideal father.  Now, pray to God, thanking him for being each of those qualities.

SHARE WITH READERS BELOW 5 OF THE 10 QUALITIES YOU’VE WRITTEN ABOUT AN IDEAL FATHER.

[image: http://www.flickr.com/photos/elliotj/4254473340/]

Today is the 12th day of Lent, a 40 day season of spiritual reflection, repentance, and renewal.  During these 40 days we’ll explore the prayer life of Jesus, walking chronologically through every mention of Jesus’ prayer life and prayers in the Gospels.

Here is today’s prayer event: I thank you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that you have hidden these things from the wise and understanding and revealed them to little children; yes, Father, for such was your gracious will. (Matt. 11:25-26 ESV).

Matthew 11 finds Jesus in what could be one of the most discouraging seasons of his life.  First, John the Baptist, one of Jesus’ most trusted partners, appears to doubt: “Are you the one who is to come, or shall we look for another?” (Matt. 11:4 ESV).  Second, the crowds, who have been so enthusiastic, now appear disappointed with Jesus: “We played the flute for you, and you did not dance; we sang a dirge, and you did not mourn (Matt. 11:17 ESV).”  Third, entire cities in which Jesus has done “most of his mighty works” still appear to be places of spiritual desolation (Matt.11:20) .

It seems that God is no longer in charge.  It seems that God is no longer at work.  It seems God no longer rules.

I would have responded to this with complaint.  Jesus responds with confidence.  Through prayer, Jesus remembers who God is.  God is still “Lord of heaven and earth.”  God is still in charge, in spite of recent events.  And through prayer, Jesus remembers what God is doing.  God is “hiding” and “revealing.”  That is, God is still at work, in spite of recent events.  Even in a difficult time, Jesus prayerfully remembers that God still rules–he’s still in charge and he’s still at work.

Take a moment to think of a circumstance in your life which has filled you with disappointment.  Things haven’t worked out as you wished.  Now pray to God as “Lord of heaven and earth” and confess that He’s still in charge of that circumstance.  And, confess in prayer that God’s still working in that situation, despite all appearances.

SHARE WITH OTHER READERS BELOW HOW YOU CONNECT WITH THIS PRAYER OF JESUS.

[image: http://www.flickr.com/photos/seryo/113055330/]