The disciple who asked, “Lord, teach us to pray” felt a need not only for himself but also for his fellow-disciples. We all need to learn from Jesus because we tend to have mistaken ideas about prayer.
Some think of prayer as their “fire escape” or “emergency exit” used in times of crisis. These people do not pray regularly. Rather, they turn to prayer as a last resort when trouble arises. They go through life with little or no thought for God’s will. Then suddenly, when it seems necessary, they remember God and rush to their “emergency exit” called “prayer” where God must hear and rescue them.
Other people make a habit of prayer. To them, it matters little how they live, as long as they mumble off prayers before bedtime. Prayer becomes a spiritual “good-luck charm”—something like a lucky bracelet or necklace or, in some countries, a rabbit’s foot. They think that a few prayer rituals keep good fortune on their side. It just seems to be the safe thing to do.
Some believers treat prayer like a visit to a wealthy relative or a bank machine that dispenses money. Just push the right buttons with God and He gives you exactly what you want: happiness, health, vacations, money, friends, prosperity, and more. Some religious leaders urge you to “write your own ticket with God” which means “get your own way with God.” They boldly claim, “If you are not in good health, and if you are not getting richer and richer, then it is sure proof that you do not know how to pray.”