I’m putting a sermon together on prayer, and I need help.

It’s about why the Jews prayed 3 times a day, and what it was they actually prayed, and why it was these experienced prayers came to Jesus and asked him to teach them to pray.

As I’m on a budget I don’t want to really buy a heap of books on the subject, perhaps some internet sites or info on why they prayed 3 times a day and what it was they prayed and why would help.

Any help appreciated craig

Jews had 2 types of daily prayer that I am familiar with. I think you may be referring to what is known as the Shemoneh Esreh (I think that’s how you spell it), 18 Benedictions. This was prayed 3 times a day and had to be done in secret, not out aloud. Peter and John were going to recite this prayer in Acts 3:1. 3 o’clock in the afternoon was one of the times it was to be recited. The other times were morning and evening.

It was a repetitive prayer, said in a slow and broad way. Apparently it was a majestic prayer.

Contents include requests for daily bread, grace and forgiveness of sins, reuniting of tribes and restoration of Israel. The Lord’s Prayer includes similar themes. Jesus probably based his prayer on this one. The prayer did change after Jesus’ time, as there is an allusion to the Temple’s destruction by the end of the 1st century.

It has been suggested that the disciples asked Jesus to teach him how to prayer because it was custom for certain religious Jewish groups to have prayers that defined their group. Therefore the disciples were wanting or expecting to have such a prayer.

Sorry, but I can’t be more helpful than this. Maybe a search on Shemoneh Esreh might lead you to more info.