Many of us have, at one time or another, memorized the Lord’s Prayer from Matthew 6:9-13 that Jesus taught His disciples when they asked Him how to pray. That is a question for you and me as well. Jesus answered the question, and in doing so, gave us a beloved prayer that is both worshipful and practical.
Most of us have heard the Lord’s Prayer recited or read or heard in church services, in literature or through some other media. For some, it is little more than a meaningless recitation of words, rather than the powerful prayer it is intended to be.
The beauty of the prayer is not disputed. Most will acknowledge it lifts up and comforts those who pray it from their hearts as well as their memories. However, Jesus taught this prayer, not as the end all for prayer, but as an example to follow.
“After this manner therefore pray,” He said. He meant this prayer to be a model for our ongoing conversations with God. So how do we pray?
First, we start by addressing our Heavenly Father with respect and reverence, and to praise Him for who He is.
Second, we are to indicate our willingness to do as God directs. (Why bother asking if we plan to ignore His guidance and do things our way anyway?)
Third, we need to honestly share our needs and desires with God. This includes our hurts, feelings, good or bad, and even our disappointment of, or questions to Him. (Share what is on your heart and mind. Don’t worry, He knows what you’re thinking anyway.)
Fourth, we need to make certain our hearts and lives are right before God. (Again, He already knows, but wants us to acknowledge our bad choices, thoughts, behavior to ourselves and Him. Reality check.) Here we humble ourselves with confession (admission of) and repentance (turning away) from things we know are not right in our lives and relationships.
Fifth, we live in a world growing more dangerous. When praying, we need to ask God’s safety and protection over ourselves, our families and others on a daily, sometimes moment-to-moment basis. Prayers for wisdom and healing also fit this pattern.
Finally, prayer is more than making demands. Prayer is about gratitude, praise and giving thanks for what God has done in our lives, is doing and will do in the future. Prayer is also listening to that still small voice within.
The end of prayer is the beginning of leaving things in God’s hands and trusting Him for the results. Sometimes we need to ask God to help us do that as well.
When life doesn’t as planned and stress rises, why not calm your heart by praying even expanding on this beloved prayer.
After this manner therefore pray:
Our Father which are in heaven,
Hallowed be Your name.
Your kingdom come,
Your will be done in earth,
as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread.
And forgive us our debts,
as we forgive our debtors.
And lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil:
For thine is the kingdom,
and the power, and the glory, for ever Amen.
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By Carolyn R Scheidies
Published in Kearney Hub 01/26/2020
From Listen! Who Me?