Asking To Be Taught

It happened that while Jesus was praying in a certain place, after He had finished, one of His disciples said to Him, “Lord, teach us to pray just as John also taught his disciples.” Luke 11:1

Have you ever seen something in someone’s life and desired to see it evidenced in your own life? One of Jesus’ disciples wanted to be taught to pray. Who better to go to for that lesson than Christ Himself? What would happen if we learned to take our requests before God in the same way this disciple took his request to Jesus?

Can you think of someone who is loving? Imagine praying something like this: Jesus, teach me to be loving like __________. Jesus, teach me to be a good steward of my money like _______________. Jesus, teach me to be a diligent worker like _______________. Jesus, teach me to be forgiving like _______________. Jesus, teach me to be a bold witness like_____________. Oh, the things we could pray for based on the example of individuals in our life! What better way to express what it is we want Him to do in our life, than to find people who exude those qualities and use their life as a basis for what we ask God to give us.

There must have been something in the way John’s disciples prayed that captured this disciple’s attention. What is it that is capturing your attention in another person’s life? It could very well be that God is urging you to bring that particular area to Him so that He can begin to do a similar work in you. You might even start by asking God to open your eyes to the qualities in other people that He wants to instill in you as well. He can do that without taking away your uniqueness.

Understand of course, that sometimes in order for God to teach you something, the learning process may not always be comfortable. I remember asking God to give me an intimate walk with Himself that I noticed in another individual. He is in the process of answering that prayer but the pain involved is great at times. There are things and people I have to let go of in order to be more dependent on Him. He knows this is hard for me but He has assured me there is no other way to get what I asked for. I believe Him and I trust Him.

Father, I see examples all around me of what I desire to learn myself. You are an exquisite teacher and I desire nothing more than to be taught by You. Amen.