1. Choose one word to describe your earthly father to the group. How do our fathers impact the way we relate to our heavenly Father?

2. Read Luke 11:2, 13. Jesus begins and ends his teaching by referring to God as Father. Robert Stein (NAC) notes that the title Father is associated with God just 15 times in the entire OT, compared to 165+ times in the NT gospels. Why do you think Jesus instructs his disciples to begin with this title?

3. Many scholars believe the requests of v2 are 'eschatalogical prayers.' That is, they are concerned with the end of the age, when the kingdom of God comes in its fullness and the name of God is finally and entirely 'hallowed' or known to be holy. Why do you think Jesus might encourage his disciples to begin prayer this way?

4. Read Luke 11:3-4. In what ways is bread like forgiveness? Why might we fail to ask for one or the other?

5. Read Luke 11:5-13. The central teaching (vv9-10) is surrounded by 2 parables. According to the parables, what might hinder us from faithfully asking, seeking, and knocking? What would it look like to struggle with the issues addressed by the parables? What would it look like to overcome them?

If you would like to read Martin Luther’s guide to praying through the Lord’s Prayer, you can download it here.