As the Day Begins
November 13, 2026
“Lord, teach us to pray, just as John taught his disciples.” — Luke 11:1 (NIV)
A disciple waited until Jesus finished praying before he asked, “Lord, teach us to pray.” I wonder what he had seen in Jesus that made him want to ask. Luke tells us that Jesus often withdrew to lonely places to pray (Luke 5:16). People came with real needs, and Jesus gave them His attention. He also made time to be alone with His Father. I need that example on mornings when I start answering people before I have taken a moment to pray about what they are asking of me.
When Jesus answers the disciple, He begins with a word we can say even when we are too tired to gather our thoughts. “Father” (Luke 11:2, NIV). From there, He teaches us to honor God’s name, seek His kingdom, ask for what we need, confess our sins, forgive others, and seek help when temptation comes. I can bring each of those prayers into the day ahead. There may be a need I hesitate to admit or a hurt I am reluctant to release. Jesus teaches me to bring the day I actually have before the Father who already knows me.
Triune Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank You for hearing me this morning. You know the responsibilities ahead of me and the worry I woke up carrying. Let Your name be honored in the way I handle both. Give me what I need for today, and help me notice the needs of those who share this day with me. Where I have held tightly to a hurt, give me grace to forgive as You have forgiven me.
Jesus the Son, thank You for taking the time to teach Your disciples to pray. Teach me to come to the Father with the same honesty You invited from them. When I feel hurried, help me pause before I answer. When my plans change, help me attend to the person in front of me. Let the time I spend with You this morning shape how I treat people through the rest of the day.
Holy Spirit, guide my thoughts when I struggle to settle them. Bring to mind the words of Jesus when I face a choice that will test my patience or expose my pride. Give me the humility to listen when someone tells me what is troubling them. If they ask for counsel, help me hear the whole story and speak with gentleness. Let my words show something of the care I have received from You. Amen.
Thought for the Day
Before your first conversation or task, take one petition from Luke 11:2–4 and pray it in your own words. If you begin with daily bread, name one need you are carrying. At midday, return to that same prayer. Notice where you have received help and where you still need to ask for it.
Someone may turn to you for advice today. Give them time to say what is on their mind, and quietly ask the Holy Spirit to guide your words. Sometimes the first kindness you can offer is to hear them out.
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