One day Jesus was praying in a certain place. When he finished, one of his disciples said to him, “Lord, teach us to pray…” Luke 11:1
Jesus taught us a simple prayer that has been passed down through the ages. It is said in churches, in homes, at weddings, and at funerals. It’s a good prayer, a wonderful prayer, and a prayer that seems to touch all bases. Here are a few guidelines we can use when we pray, but we can definitely use our own personal words.
Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. It is a good to start prayer acknowledging and praising God for who He is. If you are asking for peace, He is the God of peace. If you are seeking wisdom, God is a all-knowing God. Our hearts should overflow with thanksgiving because we are so blessed to be able to address the God of the Universe through the redemptive blood of Jesus Christ.
Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. As Christians, we do look with expectancy to His return, however, we need to be willing to let God’s work be accomplished through us until the day of His return. We need to ask for direction, but also we need to ask for a willing heart to do things His way, in His timing.
Give us this day our daily bread. God wants us to bring our needs before Him. He also even desires to hear our wants. Our faith in Him is shown as we lay these things at His feet. Asking for His wisdom, knowledge, and understanding will help us to fill up not only on physical bread but also spiritual bread.
And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. We must always ask God to reveal secret sins in our lives so that we can rid ourselves of any stumbling blocks that inhibit our worship. We need to not only ask for His forgiveness, and turn away from our sin, but it is also necessary to bequeath forgiveness to those who have sinned against us. If we are having difficulty in this area, we can admit that to God, and allow Him to help us forgive others.
And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: Each day we need to request God’s strength in resisting temptation. He will help us and will steer us away from evil. We can also ask for God’s protection from harm.
We can say this prayer not only for ourselves, but we can pray this over our children, our grandchildren, our siblings, our extended family, friends, church members, and for the world. We need to be in an attitude of prayer all day, acknowledging that all belongs to our eternal God.
For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.
Comments
Post a Comment