How we pray is important. As we enter Lent, this is the perfect time to learn from the Master. Jesus teaches us through The Lord’s Prayer. Some call it “The Disciple’s Prayer.” Regardless what we call it, there is much for us to glean in this model.
This is how we pray.
Matthew 6:9-13 reads:
“Our Father in heaven,
hallowed be your name,
10 your kingdom come,
your will be done,
on earth as it is in heaven.
11 Give us today our daily bread.
12 And forgive us our debts,
as we also have forgiven our debtors.
13 And lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from the evil one.”
I remember as a kid wanting to always be first. Flailing my little hand in the air, as if to say, “pick me, pick me!” I definitely have the “me first” mentality. This is the culture we live in.
But as we look at this prayer Jesus gives us in Matthew, we see an order that does not include me being first and there is a reason.
God first, then us.
In the last few weeks, we have discovered so much woven into this prayer model. Starting with God, as Our holy Father, we learn prayer is the cord that connects us to His holiness. By praying, we enter into God’s Presence. When we come into that holiness, some of our un-holiness is washed away. Prayer is our relationship with God. Once we get this right perspective, we can move on to us.
When you look at the ‘us’ part of this prayer, verses 11 through 13, we see three requests;
- Give us today our daily bread. The ask is for the day. Today, in fact. Not tomorrow, next year or a whole lifetime. Just today. We ask God to meet our needs today. Most of our fear and worry comes from running ahead of the day. Running ahead of God. Can you trust God to meet your needs today?
- Forgive us our debts as we also have forgiven our debtors. Forgive as we have already forgiven. How can we expect God to do something for us that we are unwilling to do for others? This unforgiveness becomes a stumbling block and will hinder our relationship with God. Keep it in perspective here. Jesus is instructing us how to pray. Jesus is telling us to forgive. Can you forgive that person today?
- Lead us not into temptation. We all face trials everyday. But as we move through them, may we not fall into temptation. Lust, greed, hatred. God tests us, Satan tempts us. God’s test are to strengthen us. Satan’s temptations are to destroy. May we not sin in the midst of our trial. These trials make us stronger and ultimately can glorify God. Here’s the critical piece, “but, deliver us from the evil one.” Can you believe God will save you today?
There is a very similar prayer found in Luke 11 which starts off; “One day Jesus was praying in a certain place. When he finished, one of his disciples said to him, “Lord, teach us to pray…”
By Jesus praying in his regular place, he was leading the disciples by example. As the disciples watched him live his life, they saw him praying on all occasions. They wanted to learn how he did it, how he prayed. Not even realizing, in asking Jesus, “Lord, teach us to pray,” they uttered their first prayer. Jesus turned to them and granted their request.
Give us. Forgive us. Lead us. Save us.
In John 16, Jesus says, “…ask me anything. Very truly I tell you, my Father will give you whatever you ask in my name.”
Can you imagine God looking lovingly into your eyes and saying, “Ask me anything?”
Trust God, Our Holy Father. He will give you everything you need for this day. Understand God forgives you even when you don’t forgive others or yourself. Believe God will never lead you into something you cannot handle. Instead, The Lord Almighty will save you from it, often making you stronger because of it. There is nothing you cannot do. Not because of you, but because of God!
God first, then us.
Let us pray:
Our Father, our holy, holy Father, forgive us for making it about us. Help us to understand how much You love us. Teach us how to pray. Let us trust You for this day. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
P.S. Leave me a comment below because I love hearing from you. Forward this message to a friend. Share on Facebook and tag me in it. Until next time, pray, pray, pray. It’s our communion with God. -M
One thought on “How we pray (part 6)”
That is so good. I didn’t want to quit reading. Wish I could memorize the entire content. Praise God! Love you