Luke 11:1
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Luke 11:1
1 And it came to pass, that, as he was praying in a certain place, when he ceased, one of his disciples said unto him, Lord, teach us to pray, as John also taught his disciples.
Chapter Context
Luke 11 is a historical gospel chapter in the New Testament that explores themes of redemption, salvation, truth. Written during the late first century CE (c. 80-85 CE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Written when Christians needed to understand their place in the Roman world.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
- Verses 21-54: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it contributes to the biblical metanarrative of redemption. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Luke and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Luke 11:1
1 And it came to pass, that, as he was praying in a certain place, when he ceased, one of his disciples said unto him, Lord, teach us to pray, as John also taught his disciples.
Analysis
Lord, teach us to pray (Κύριε, δίδαξον ἡμᾶς προσεύχεσθαι, Kyrie, didaxon hēmas proseuchesthai)—The disciples' request reveals the rabbinical context where each teacher had distinctive prayers for his followers. John the Baptist taught his disciples specific prayers; now Jesus's followers desire their own instruction in prayer.
The Greek verb didaxon (teach, instruct) implies systematic, authoritative instruction, not mere casual advice. This request led to the Lord's Prayer (Luke's version being shorter than Matthew's Sermon on the Mount account), establishing the pattern for Christian prayer: address to the Father, hallowing His name, seeking His kingdom, requesting provision, forgiveness, and protection. The setting—as he was praying—suggests the disciples witnessed Jesus's prayer life firsthand, compelling them to seek the same intimacy with the Father.
Historical Context
First-century Judaism had three daily prayer times (morning, afternoon, evening) with fixed liturgical prayers like the Shema and the Eighteen Benedictions. Rabbis often composed distinctive prayers for their disciples. Jesus's emphasis on direct, familial address to God (Abba) was revolutionary in this context.
Reflection
- How does your prayer life reflect a desire to be taught by Jesus, rather than relying on formulas?
- What aspects of Jesus's own prayer habits (solitude, persistence, intimacy with the Father) challenge your current practice?
- How does addressing God as Father (Abba) transform the nature of your requests and relationship with Him?
Word Studies
- Lord: Κύριος (Kurios) G2962 - Lord, Master
Cross-References
- References Lord: Psalms 10:17, 19:14
- Prayer: Luke 6:12, 9:18, 9:28, Hebrews 5:7, Jude 1:20