Pray Like This!
In our recent journey through the scriptures, we've come to see that the familiar lines of what many call the Lord's Prayer, found in Matthew 6:9-13, aren't just words Jesus prayed but a framework He gifted us for connecting with God. This insight builds on our last discussion, where we unraveled the true prayer Jesus offered for us in John 17, contrasting popular beliefs.
Unpacking Jesus' Prayer Template
1. "Our Father": Embracing Community and Humility Jesus starts with "Our Father," instantly turning our prayers from a solo act to a chorus of believers reaching out to God. It's a humbling call to remember we're part of a bigger family, and God, our Father, is attentive to each of us. It’s about stepping back from the 'I' and embracing the 'we.'
2. "Hallowed be thy name": Revering the Almighty Moving on, we're invited to hallow God's name, to honor Him above all else. It's a moment to pause and marvel at His majesty, the all-seeing, all-knowing, and all-powerful Creator who cares for us intimately. This is our act of worship, recognizing His grandeur and grace.
3. "Thy kingdom come": Yielding to His Rule Here, Jesus nudges us towards a surrender of wills, inviting God's rule in our lives and the world around us. It's a declaration of trust, choosing His perfect plans over our flawed ones, and a reminder of the harmony He intends for us, echoing the divine order of heaven.
4. "Give us this day our daily bread": Trusting God's Provision Jesus teaches reliance on God for our needs, emphasizing trust and gratitude for His daily provision. It's a call to remember that our sustenance, both physical and spiritual, flows from His hand.
5. "Forgive us our debts": Living the Cycle of Forgiveness The prayer pivots to forgiveness, underscoring its critical role in our spiritual health and relationships. It challenges us to forgive as freely as we seek forgiveness, fostering a spirit of grace and reconciliation.
6. "Lead us not into temptation": Seeking Divine Strength This plea for divine guidance away from sin and evil underlines our need for God's strength in facing life's trials. It's an acknowledgment of our vulnerabilities and a trust in His power to protect and lead us.
7. "For thine is the kingdom": Honoring God's Sovereignty Concluding, the prayer circles back to God's eternal reign, a final note of praise and submission to His supreme authority. It's a recognition that all we do and all we are is for His glory, now and forever.
This walkthrough of the Lord's Prayer has unveiled a treasure trove of insights for our spiritual path. Each line is a stepping stone towards a richer, more engaged relationship with God, marked by reverence, surrender, and trust. I pray that you have learned how to enter in when you pray to!
Let me know if you have already been praying like this or if this has helped you! Check out our Youtube Channel with our Vlog on this from today! It will be posted at 3:00pm!