The Lord's Prayer - Chapter 11

The Lord’s Prayer has 5 key points.

 Prayer to worship God

      Prayer for God’s Will

      Prayer for our needs

 Prayer for forgiveness

      Prayer for God’s Will in your life.

In listening to several pastors speaking on prayer I was reminded about the importance of prayer on a daily basis because that is the wisest way to start our day. We need to seal ourselves with God’s protection, God’s wisdom, God’s blessings and God’s forgiveness.
Yet, I must admit that I am just realizing the importance of prayer in my life and what a powerful difference it is making in my daily encounters and decisions. I now find myself more mindful about praying short and quick prayers throughout the day as things come up. These quick prayers are becoming as natural as breathing. Having made this commitment to fast N pray for 2016 has been good for me. I am so thankful to the Lord for putting this project together and allowing me to partake of it alongside of you.

Let’s breakdown this model prayer which The Lord Jesus gave to us.

Luke 11:1-4

Now it came to pass, as He (Jesus) was praying in a certain place, that when He ceased, one of His disciples said to Him, “Lord, teach us to pray, as John also taught his disciples.” So Jesus said to them, When you pray say:

        Our Father in heaven,

                                       Hallowed be Your name.

                                       Your kingdom come.

                                       Your will be done

                                       On earth as it is in heaven.

                                       Give us this day our daily bread.

                                       And forgive us our sins,

                                       For we also forgive everyone who 

                                       has sinned against us.

                                       And do not lead us into temptation,

                                       But deliver us from the evil one.”

          Our Father in heaven,

Here you are worshiping the Creator. You acknowledge Him for who He is and what He has done. You are calling Him your Father, your spiritual Daddy who you give honor and respect to His authority over you. 

Keep in mind that, “a son is not above his father.” 

Truth, God gave to us His only Son, so that we may become the children of God.

          Hallowed be Your name.

Hallowed means Holy, Blessed.  You are praising His wonderful name.

Here is a Truth for you, “The power in the name of Jesus makes demons tremble!  

This wonderful tidbit is very important for you to know and understand.

Your kingdom come.

With these few words, you are reminded that this world will soon past and that you are waiting on His return. This is your Hope and Truth, He is coming back!

Your will be done

You are requesting that His Will be done. God’s Will is perfect and good.Truth, God’s Will is the very best way for you. We know that it may not always makes sense, but you ask for His Will in your life because you desire the very best. Our ways are small and can be selfish. God’s ways are pure and so much more rewarding. God’s Will is always for your good and His plan is to give you a future and a hope!

On earth as it is in heaven.

How beautiful this passage is. You acknowledge and are bowing down to God’s reign and majesty both in the heavens and here on earth. You are asking Him for His perfect will in your life. Truth, Our God is the One in control of all the heavens, the earth and everything above and below them. There is no other God like our God!

              Give us this day our daily bread.

This very simple verse is straight to the point. You are praying for your needs to be provided for by the Only One who can supply them above everything else that He longs to do for you. I see this as a picture of a child asking daddy for what is needed such as clothing and food. Truth, God knows your needs before you even ask. What a wonderful Daddy.

And forgive us our sins,

This is the steak in this beautiful meal that Jesus has given us. The heart and soul of our faith is that God sent His Son Jesus who died and arose from the dead and He did it all for you. Your sins have been forgiven. But we sin daily and daily we must ask that our sins be forgiven. What Grace, what Love your Daddy has placed upon you!

Truth you are His Beloved.

For we also forgive everyone who has sinned against us.

So far with these scriptures, you have worshiped and praised God, acknowledge God and His power, His majesty, His reign and His authority. You have asked for your needs and forgiveness of your sins. But now comes your part in this prayer. God now wants you to understand how important forgiveness is!

Forgiveness is not something that you normally would do on your own. You need the help of God’s Holy Spirit to teach you how to forgive others who have hurt you or somehow wronged you. Just as God has given so much of Himself by sending His Son for you, then You also must give much of yourself and forgive others. True forgiveness means You need to give up your anger towards that person. You need to give up the hurt that you still carry inside your heart, and You need to give up the pride in order that you may truly forgive. Forgiveness does not come easy but you can ask God to teach you how to forgive and through His Holy Spirit, He will help you to forgive. There is such a peace for yourself in forgiving but only when you truly forgive and the freedom you will experience when you forgive another will become a blessing to your mind and heart. 

Truth You can do all things through Christ Jesus!

And do not lead us into temptation,

God will keep your foot from stumbling. You need to consistently pray for His direction and allow Him to lead you. 

Truth God does not lead you into temptation, but He cares about keeping you from it.

But deliver us from the evil one.”

Our Awesome God is in this battle to keep you from the evil one. God is God and His love towards you knows no bounds. You must continue to pray and continue to run this race until you have crossed that finished line. 

Truth, Listen to this precious prayer that Jesus prayed for you…

                 “I’m not asking you to take them out of the world, 

                   but to keep them safe from the evil one.”  

                                                                John 17:15

So the next time you recite the Lord’s Prayer, say it with a true and pure understanding of what you are saying.