by Steven Gledhill for FREEdom from MEdom Project
This beautiful example given to us by Jesus Christ (Matthew 6:9-13) is the model for how to pray. When you are feeling stuck and don’t have the words to pray, simply repeat these words given to us by the Savior. In examining The Lord’s Prayer, the following ten points can sensibly direct your prayer experience:
Reverence/Authority God is God and in complete authority.
“Our Father, which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy Name.”
Presence In Jesus coming to earth came the Kingdom of God.
“Thy Kingdom come…”
Purpose God’s plan and purpose is being accomplished.
“… Thy will be done in earth, As it is in heaven.”
Providence We are not God and in need of God’s providence.
“Give us this day our daily bread.”
Repentance/Mercy We have sinned requiring mercy from a repentant heart.
“And forgive us our trespasses…”
Compassion Forgiven, we must extend God’s mercy to others.
“… As we forgive them that trespass against us.”
Resist Temptation Forgiven, we still wrestle with temptation.
“And lead us not into temptation…”
Deliverance We need a Savior, everyday!
“… But deliver us from evil.”
Empowerment Submitted unto the glory of God’s power and authority.
“For thine is the kingdom, the power, and the glory, for ever and ever.”
Agreement and Surrender “AMEN” means “Let it be so” (letting go) into the care of God.
It’s good that Jesus gave us this model for how to pray. The Apostle Paul in Ephesians chapter 5 encourages us to pray without ceasing, or in other words, always keep open the line of communication with God.
The Apostle James writes in James chapter 1 that we should pray for wisdom to persevere through times of trial (The Serenity Prayer). In chapter 4, he writes that we will not receive from God unless our motives are right. Granted, our motives are not likely to be pure when we seek God so it would be wise to ask God for help with that.
I suppose the most sensible way to pray is assertively with confidence from a humble repentant heart.
The high and lofty one who lives in eternity, the Holy One, says this: “I live in the high and holy place with those whose spirits are contrite and humble. I restore the crushed spirit of the humble and revive the courage of those with repentant hearts.” Isaiah 57:15
So then, since we have a great High Priest who has entered heaven, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to what we believe. This High Priest of ours understands our weaknesses, for he faced all of the same testings we do, yet he did not sin. So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most. Hebrews 4:14-16
Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6-7
