We could all agree on the importance of prayer. We know it is a priority in our lives. We amen sermons on it, and we promise to pray for others. We even use it as a cop out: “I’ll pray about it.” If you’re a follower of Christ, you understand prayer is you access to God. The reality is that we all WANT to pray- but often times we don’t really know how to.
Here’s a Truth: Simple prayers cause big change. Let’s look at the Lord’s prayer and break it down as our example for prayer- our model for engaging with heaven.
1. PRAISE
“Our Father in Heaven, Hallowed (holy) be Your name.”
We come to God with the proper perspective- He’s our Creator and our Father. He has all power, yet sees us as His children
2. PURPOSE
“Your kingdom come, Your will be done. On earth as it is in heaven.”
We must have a desire to see God’s kingdom come, and to help it happen. God will bring His kingdom through us, not because of us. Are you willing to lay down your will for the perfect will of God?
3. PROVISION
“Give us this day our daily bread.”
He cares about the little things. You are NEVER a bother to God. Come to Him knowing who you are in His eyes.
4. PARDON
“And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.”
We’ve got an everyday need for Grace- for ourselves and others. Forgiveness from God is predicated on your ability to forgive. When you release someone else, you forgive yourself.
5. PROTECTION
“And do not lead us into temptation, But deliver us from the evil one.”
Protection against spiritual attacks, gossip, tiredness, depression. Our God goal is complete deliverance.
Jesus models prayer in simplicity and power. Simple prayers cause big change, and our access to the power of God is acquired through prayer. Since this model is straight from God- we recommend you incorporate it into your daily life.
“For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.”