Jesus, Teach Us To Pray

By Mary Vee
Luke 11 

Peter

My name is Peter. The other disciples and I had supper at Martha and Mary's house recently.

On a day soon after, Jesus went off by himself to pray. He had done this many times while we were in his service. We knew he would return when he was ready. 

When he rejoined us, one disciple asked him to teach us how to pray. "John had taught his disciples. We would like you to teach us."




Jesus said, "When you pray say your words from your heart, not flowery words. God is not impressed by those. Like this: 


Our Father who is in Heaven
Hallowed be your name
Your kingdom come
Your will be done
On Earth, as it is in Heaven
Give us this day our daily bread
And forgive us our sins
As we forgive those who have sinned against us
And lead us not into temptation
But deliver us from the Evil One
For yours is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory forever.
Amen.

Do you understand?" Jesus waited for questions.

Photo by Mary
Land near Jerusalem

But we didn't have any. The prayer was one we could easily say. We should first praise God, speak our heart needs then ask forgiveness and protection. And end with praise.

Before this time I had struggled because I thought the God of Heaven would want words that only a rabbi could speak.

Now I understand. Thanks to Jesus.

Come back to read the next story.

*Author of blog's note: If you have questions, please feel free to leave them in the comment section. I will see them and will answer as best I can or direct you to a source.


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sources: 
*A Harmony of the Gospels for Historical Study, An Analytical Synopsis of the Four Gospels by William Arnold Stevens and Ernest DeWitt Burton, Charles Scribner's Sons, New York 1932
*New International Version, New King James Version. 
*My Bible College training.
*My notes and walk through classes I've taught in Children's church. Answers to student questions, etc.
*Pastoral sermons on this time
*Matthew Henry Commentary
*F. LaGard Smith Commentary
*My notes from my trip to Israel.
*Photos from my trip to Israel.

Jesus Listened to Martha's Complaint

By Mary Vee
Luke 10 

Martha

Photo by Mary Vee
Land near Jerusalem

My name is Martha. I have heard a lot about a prophet named Jesus. His disciples traveled with him on a journey to Jerusalem.

They arrived in my village at meal time. I offered my home for them to rest and food to eat. Jesus said, "Thank you," and followed me to my home.

I showed them to a room where they could relax from their journey. My sister, Mary entered about that time.

"Rabbi, this is my sister, Mary."

The disciples sat and faced Jesus. I suppose he planned to teach them. I left the room and went to the kitchen to prepare the meal expecting Mary to join me, but she didn't.

I rushed about the kitchen cooking as fast as I could. As each minute went by I wondered what Mary was doing. I really needed her help.

I walked to the other room with a handful of dishes and was shocked to see her sitting on the floor listening to Jesus. What was the matter with her? These men were hungry. We have been honored with their presence and must give them our best. 

I couldn't stand it another moment. I walked into the room and said, "Lord, don't you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!"

Photo by Mary
Land near Jerusalem

Jesus didn't look at Mary. He didn't tell her to go and help. Instead, he looked at me and said, "Martha, Martha."

I didn't know what he meant.

He said, "You are worried and upset about many things, but there is only one thing worth your attention. See Mary? She has chosen what is better. She sits here listening and learning. All that she has heard will not be taken away from her."

And so I left the food for later. I sat with the disciples and Mary and listened to Jesus teach. His words touched my heart. I felt so blessed.

Come back to read the next story.

*Author of blog's note: If you have questions, please feel free to leave them in the comment section. I will see them and will answer as best I can or direct you to a source.


*********************************************************************************************

sources: 
*A Harmony of the Gospels for Historical Study, An Analytical Synopsis of the Four Gospels by William Arnold Stevens and Ernest DeWitt Burton, Charles Scribner's Sons, New York 1932
*New International Version, New King James Version. 
*My Bible College training.
*My notes and walk through classes I've taught in Children's church. Answers to student questions, etc.
*Pastoral sermons on this time
*Matthew Henry Commentary
*F. LaGard Smith Commentary
*My notes from my trip to Israel.
*Photos from my trip to Israel.