"Our Father which art in Heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in Heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen."
What did Jesus mean when He said that we should pray this way? I don't think that Jesus was asking us to "copy" this prayer for the rest of our lives ( although that may not be a bad idea ). But how do we see the heart behind this prayer?
This prayer seems to first show an acknowledgement and respect of the holiness of God ( which I think I could do more of ). Then, it covers inviting God's plan and His power into our lives here on the earth ( like it is in Heaven ). I am a living, breathing, piece of "Heaven" on this earth right now! Now, if we prayed this way, we would ask God to provide our needs in the day we are in ( I have the tendency to think of the days ahead ). We then ask for forgiveness, which I am pretty sure I can do daily. Next, we would ask for help away from evil, which is present every day in me and in the world around me. Lastly, the prayer closes with praising God for being God for ever! I can't think of a better way of ending all my prayers than that!
What did Jesus mean when He said that we should pray this way? I don't think that Jesus was asking us to "copy" this prayer for the rest of our lives ( although that may not be a bad idea ). But how do we see the heart behind this prayer?
This prayer seems to first show an acknowledgement and respect of the holiness of God ( which I think I could do more of ). Then, it covers inviting God's plan and His power into our lives here on the earth ( like it is in Heaven ). I am a living, breathing, piece of "Heaven" on this earth right now! Now, if we prayed this way, we would ask God to provide our needs in the day we are in ( I have the tendency to think of the days ahead ). We then ask for forgiveness, which I am pretty sure I can do daily. Next, we would ask for help away from evil, which is present every day in me and in the world around me. Lastly, the prayer closes with praising God for being God for ever! I can't think of a better way of ending all my prayers than that!
- How is this prayer different from your prayers?
- Amy's answer, "This prayer is focused more on God and His plan, than on me and my worries".
I know that when I pray its more of things that are needs/wants. Health and safety is top on my prayer list it seems. I know God wants us to thank him and be of a thankful heart. Having a mixture of both would be the ideal prayer life. I'm glad he doesn't expect fanciness from us that's for sure! God is good!
ReplyDeleteI loved reading your thoughts Sarah! Thanks for sharing. It's encouraging to hear about what is in each others heads and hearts!
ReplyDeleteLove the encouragement about prayer especially the Lord's prayer It's a great reminder that all God desires is a relationship with him and to remind ouselves of his Great Love for us to show the same to others as he does to us I have to honestly admit that majority of my prayers are for self 1st then others then being thankful in praising him. In thinking about this, God's heart is the other way around life can really get you caught up with all it's pressures great thought for the new year Thanks Amy :0)
ReplyDeleteYes Lori, I think you're right... God's heart is the other way around from ours! :) I guess that's why we need Him so much! Thank you for sharing!
ReplyDelete