Reflection: He attends

On the back of Mary attending to Jesus (devoted instead of distracted), Jesus attending to his Father (withdrawing to pray) and the disciples learning to attend to God (‘Teach us to pray.’), comes a story of our heavenly Father attending to us. And, unsurprisingly, it’s another wash of grace.

You want to know how to pray? says Jesus to the disciples. Here’s a little daily liturgy… (see Luke 11:2-4)

But don’t imagine that depending on God is like asking your neighbour or a family member for help. Your heavenly Father gives you not just what’s good, but he gives you the Holy Spirit—the essence of all things good.

And, while we’re reading Luke’s version of events, there are two surprising distinctive characteristics of this Gospel writer.* Compared to the other renditions of Jesus’ life, Luke:

• makes more mention of tears; of people looking for and finding consolation in the Messiah.
• And after miracles, he makes more mention of praise.

You want to know how to pray? Go to your heavenly Father for comfort.

And when he gives good gifts, praise him. Say grace—again, and again, and again!

…The wonder is that such an eye, that lets not
even the smallest sparrow fall from notice,
beholds me also. That I might walk the currents
of our days with red and golden feathers
in my hair, my plain tongue laced with music.

That we, the birds and I, may be text and
illumination in your book of common prayer. (Love Poem, With Birds by Barbara Kingsolver)

Prayer:

*[Our] Father, may your name be kept holy.

May your Kingdom come soon.

Give us each day the food we need,

and forgive us our sins,

as we forgive those who sin against us.

And don’t let us yield to temptation. (Luke 11:2-4, NLT)

 [repeat or sing]

[Yours is] the glory, risen, conqu’ring Son;

endless is the vict’ry [you] o’er death [have] won.

(hymn by Edmond Budry)

*Watch N.T. Wright’s reflection on this interview on YouTube Luke: Two Surprises After a Lifetime of Bible Study