The Disciples Prayer

This study of Matthew 6:9-15 is a careful look at what is usually called the Lord's prayer.

What are Christians praying when they pray the Lords Prayer, and what relationship does it have with Jesus own context? Jeffrey B. Gibson disputes the view that Jesus prayer was derived from Jewish synagogal prayers. Understanding its intent requires understanding Jesus purpose in calling disciples as witnesses against this generation. In context, the prayer was not eschatological and was not aimed at calling down into the present the realities of the age to come. Rather, it was meant to protect disciples from the temptations of their age.

There is probably nothing in the Christian life which is more advocated and less attempted, more urged and less understood or more praised and less practiced than prayer....The prayer Jesus gave was a model payer His disciples could use....You will find it a powerful reshaper of your priorities in both praying and living....And the place to begin is to take up the position of a disciple of Jesus, praying, 'Lord, teach me to pray.' - from the Introduction Donald Williams is a graduate of Taylor University, Trinity Evangelical Divinity School and the University of Georgia where he earned a Ph.D. in Medieval and Renaissance Literature. An ordained minister of the Evangelical Free Church in America, Dr. Williams currently serves as Professor of English and Director of the School of Arts and Sciences at Toccoa Falls College.

"There is probably nothing in the Christian life which is more advocated and less attempted, more urged and less understood or more praised and less practiced than prayer". says the author. Prayer did not come easily to the disciples either. As a Master to His apprentices and in response to their request, Christ offered them a model, a pattern, a blueprint for approaching God. Often called the Lord's Prayer, it is actually the Disciples' Prayer.

'You'll meet 'traveling companions' from history, like Ignatius and Julian of Norwich--individuals and groups who illuminate these prayers. You'll discover how classical approaches to God can deepen your prayer life today. An appendix offers step-by-step instructions for practicing the Jesus Prayer, and the prayer of examen, for walking the labyrinth, praying with your body, and more--whether individually or in a group." -- Back cover

There is probably nothing in the Christian life which is more advocated and less attempted, more urged and less understood or more praised and less practiced than prayer....The prayer Jesus gave was a model payer His disciples could use....You will find it a powerful reshaper of your priorities in both praying and living....And the place to begin is to take up the position of a disciple of Jesus, praying, 'Lord, teach me to pray.' - from the Introduction

Following the prayer points outlined by Yehshua the Messiah in Matthew 6: 9-13, the author uses Scripture to expound on the magnificent richness and completeness of this most awesome prayer. (Motivation)

Through personal, daily study and 13 weekly small-group meetings, you will discover practical truths to strengthen and deepen your prayer life. Leadership materials included.