D. A. CARSON One of the most startling truths about prayer is this: prayer can be taught and learnt. Once the disciples have enjoyed the opportunity to observe Jesus at prayer, they ask him to teach them how to pray, as John the Baptist once taught his disciples to pray. The Master does not rebuke them for their impertinence; still less does he deride the naïveté that dares to think prayer can be taught. Instead, he provides them with a model prayer, designed less as a piece