“This, then, is how you should pray: “‘Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. Forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.’
For if you forgive men when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.
Instructions:
- Read the passage
- Read the devotional
- Spend time in prayer
- Leave a comment
How many times have you prayed the “Lord’s Prayer”? I have calculated that I have heard or prayed it on at least 1,196 Sundays in my life plus a few more hundred for other prayer routines. Yet, how easy it is to forget the previous words! Jesus says not to babble in prayer. Did Jesus give us the “Lord’s Prayer” for us to merely repeat it back to him?
There three parts to the prayer here in Matthew. In part one, we affirm God’s place in the world. He is holy, he is greater than what the earth can hold, and he rules the entire universe as King. He is in charge, not us.
Part two is brief and basic. We ask God for what we need. We affirm that we depend on God to survive, for our next breath, blink, and piece of bread.
In the third part, we ask for God’s help with our brokenness. While the second part affirms our status as dependent creatures, the third part acknowledges our status as fallen, selfish, and gullible to evil’s charms. We not only need bread but also need grace — We do not deserve the bread we just asked for! This part of the prayer, which Jesus explains, also asks for a holistic grace and not one that can be taken for granted. Why should God forgive me when I do not show that forgiveness is imprtant in my relations to others? God’s forgiveness is by grace through faith, and when we ask for forgiveness to save our hide rather than because of true remorse, God notices.
Take some time to pray through this passage and make it your own prayer. Do you set yourself in truthful perspective when you pray? Do you talk at God with a laundry list of requests, or do you ask for things knowing that you depend on God for everything, even the energy to ask? Do you regularly and honestly confess your sins to God, seek his help to live a more godly life, and then actually go out and try to do it? Is there someone you need to forgive or ask their forgiveness from today? Make sure that you start and end your time of prayer by praising God, rejoicing in his mercy, and affirming his lordship over your life.
BIG IDEA: Would I rather talk at God or be with God?
Seriously, here are a few bullet points:
- Missionary to Sudanese refugees in Cairo Egypt for 2 years (1997-99) *Moved to Oregon, got married. worked in IT sector for 7 years while supporting his wife Lynn in grad school at the U of Oregon. Involved in various ministries including youth ministry and BSF. *Currently in 3rd year of seminary at TEDS.
- We praying about church planting back in the Northwest after graduation.
- Favorite color is green, roots for the Packers occasionally, finds KrispyKreme donuts irresistible, loves Chicago high rises and the outdoors, and plays the drums for fun.
Beyond those things, BK is just a really great guy with a deep passion for Christ.
Bryan Kane: http://www.linkedin.com/in/bryankane r.bryan.kane (AT) gmail.com
