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.

LUKE 11:1KJV
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Luke 11:1 (KJV)

What does Luke 11:1 mean?

Luke 11:1 describes how, after Jesus finished praying in a certain place, one of his disciples asked him to teach them how to pray, just as John the Baptist had taught his own followers. This verse shows the disciples’ desire to learn directly from Jesus about prayer.

In this scene, Jesus is the one praying, and his disciples are watching and listening. When Jesus finishes, a disciple respectfully calls him “Lord” and asks for instruction on prayer, mentioning that John the Baptist also taught his disciples. This sets the stage for Jesus to share what is now known as the Lord’s Prayer, highlighting the importance of prayer as something to be learned and practiced, not just assumed.

The Greek behind Luke 11:1

  • προσεύχομαι (proseuchomai, “praying”): This word is used for the act of praying, often with a sense of devotion or worship. Here, it emphasizes that Jesus was engaged in focused, intentional prayer.
  • διδάσκω (didaskō, “teach”): The disciple asks Jesus to “teach” them to pray, using a word that means to instruct or give formal teaching. This shows that prayer was seen as something that could be learned, not just an automatic or inherited practice.
  • μαθητής (mathētēs, “disciples”): Both Jesus’ and John’s followers are called “disciples,” highlighting that both groups were communities of learners, and that teaching about prayer was a recognized part of spiritual training.

Why Luke 11:1 matters

  • Luke 11:1 clarifies that prayer was not only a personal act but also something that could be taught and learned, even among those already committed to following a teacher.
  • The verse connects Jesus’ teaching to the tradition of John the Baptist, showing that structured instruction in prayer was common among spiritual leaders of the time.
  • This request from the disciples leads directly into Jesus’ teaching on prayer, making it clear that what follows is a response to a genuine desire for guidance, not just a general lesson.

Where else these words appear

“ceased” Greek G3973 · used in 15 verses

  • Luke 5:4 Now when he had left speaking, he said unto Simon, Launch out into the deep, and let down your nets for a draught.
  • Acts 13:10 And said, O full of all subtilty and all mischief, thou child of the devil, thou enemy of all righteousness, wilt thou not cease to pervert the right ways of the Lord?
  • Ephesians 1:16 Cease not to give thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers;

“praying” Greek G4336 · used in 82 verses

  • Matthew 5:44 But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;
  • Luke 5:16 And he withdrew himself into the wilderness, and prayed.
  • Acts 20:36 And when he had thus spoken, he kneeled down, and prayed with them all.

“place” Greek G5117 · used in 88 verses

  • Matthew 12:43 When the unclean spirit is gone out of a man, he walketh through dry places, seeking rest, and findeth none.
  • Luke 14:22 And the servant said, Lord, it is done as thou hast commanded, and yet there is room.
  • Acts 12:17 But he, beckoning unto them with the hand to hold their peace, declared unto them how the Lord had brought him out of the prison. And he said, Go shew these things unto James, and to the brethren. And he departed, and went into another place.

“teach” Greek G1321 · used in 91 verses

  • Matthew 4:23 And Jesus went about all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing all manner of sickness and all manner of disease among the people.
  • Luke 4:15 And he taught in their synagogues, being glorified of all.
  • Acts 5:42 And daily in the temple, and in every house, they ceased not to teach and preach Jesus Christ.