The answer is: Disciples

Luke 11:1-4 - Jesus shared the Lord's Prayer with His disciples after one of them asked Him to teach them how to pray. This foundational prayer emphasizes a personal relationship with God, echoing themes of humility and dependence found throughout the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 6:5-15).

The Lord’s Prayer, recited by countless believers over centuries, is more than just a prayer; it's a masterclass in the art of communication with the Divine. When Jesus answered His disciples' request for guidance on how to pray, He provided them, and us, with a jewel of simplicity and depth worth exploring.

First off, while the disciples were culturally Jewish and shaped by the existing rituals of prayer (like the thrice-daily prayers), Jesus illuminated a more intimate connection. Consider how the prayer starts with "Our Father." This term emphasizes community, acknowledging that prayer isn't just an individual affair; it involves everyone connected in faith.

Interestingly, all four Gospels tell us about the importance of prayer, but nowhere is it delineated more clearly than here. By addressing the disciples directly, Jesus invited them into something new— a relationship grounded in trust and communion. His use of phrases like “daily bread” relates to the Israelite history of manna provided in the desert, further embroiling the new practice within the fabric of their traditions.

Moreover, the echoes of the Lord’s Prayer are found throughout scripture—these themes of forgiveness and dependence on God’s will connect deeply with earlier texts, such as the Psalms, where the faithful earnestly reach for their Creator. So the Lord's Prayer isn't just a stand-alone moment; it's a beautiful affirmation of continuity in spiritual practice, resonating through generations. How neat is that?