The Lord's Prayer for Today
Teach us to Pray as John Taught his Disciples
There's so much in it that books have been devoted solely to expounding its meaning, relevance and application.
"In this manner, therefore pray: 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 for our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And do not lead us into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one. For yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen." (Matthew 6:9-13 NKJV)
Praying at all Times
Christians are reminded to pray at all times and without ceasing (Eph 6:18,1 Thess 5:17) Another helpful memory aid is ACTS. Adoration, Confession, Thansgiving and Supplication.
Our Father in Heaven
Firstly do those praying address, esteem and honour our heavenly Father with the respect that is due to Him in terms of what we say, what we do? Is their heavenly Father God Almighty or God their mate? At the name of Jesus every knee shall bow. Are they hallowing, honouring and allowing His holy name to be sanctified in their lives?
His Kingdom Come
Are people looking forward to His Kingdom coming and rule to be established? Are they excited about the second coming? Is anyone living their lives in anticipation of the same?
Our Daily Bread
Jesus is the bread of life and his followers need to be continually feeding on the word of God too. Man cannot live by bread alone. It is not possible to pray enough and there is no escaping the fact that all who profess to be believers need to spend time alone waiting on God praying and reading scripture and living lives in obedience to His will. For those who claim they are too busy to pray or read Scripture there is a need to radically change their priorities and make their lifestyle agree with their words.
Forgive Our Debts
What is the biblical mandate for forgiveness? Matthew 6:14-15 confirms:
"For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive their trespasses."
Forgiveness is an act of obedience to God. It is not based simply on whether someone feels like forgiving and it is certainly not uncommon to still feel hurt after forgiving someone.
Do Not Lead Us into Temptation
God does test people but he does not tempt them. "But each one is drawn away when by his own desires and enticed." (James 1:14)
Deliver Us from Evil
Believers should pray that He will deliver them from the evil one. James reminds Christians to resist the Devil. They shouldn't be foolhardy looking to actively engage in warfare with the Devil as they are called to submit to God and resist the Devil who will flee from us!
For Yours is the Kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.
Pray at all Times
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