The “Our Father, which art in heaven,…” prayer was certainly said by Jesus, but as a “model prayer” for the eager-to-learn-how-to-pray disciples.
However, the disciple, John, records for us a wonderful gift. For his entire 17th chapter comprises an actual prayer Jesus prayed as he was readying himself for his crucifixion: “Father,” Jesus prayed, “the time has come….” (17:1)
Praying for himself, the disciples, and the world, Jesus pours his heart out to his Father. The disciples had no earthly idea what was about to take place. But, in his prayer, Jesus reminds us what our “true north” must be when life caves in around us (which is what was about to happen to Jesus’ closest followers.)
Jesus prays, “I have given them Your word…Your word is truth.” (17:14, 17)
Some 10 centuries removed from when the psalmist wrote, “Your word is a lamp for my feet and a light for my path” (119:105), Jesus reminds us that nothing has changed – God does not change. Our “true north” was – and is – His mighty Word.
“Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly,” (Col. 3:16)
Nick