Most everyone has heard the Lord’s prayer before.  Many don’t realize that it comes from Jesus teaching us how to pray in the sermon on the mount.  He was giving us a direct contrast to the way the Pharisees would get up and pray publicly with big words to make a show of their prayers.  The Lord’s prayer is simple but covers what we are called to do in our prayers.  Let’s look at it together today.

“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. And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.’14 For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. 15 But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.

First, Jesus acknowledges God and honors His name.  Then He starts by asking for God’s will and not His own.  He asks that God’s kingdom be built, in other words His work done.  He asks God for daily provision, for forgiveness and help forgiving others.  He asks God for guidance, for help against sin, and deliverance from Satan.  It’s simplicity and completeness is a stark contrast to the public prayers of the religious leaders of the day.  Jesus shows us how to pray and then goes on in the sermon on the mount to tell us to pray.  He reminds us to ask and we shall receive.  Take time today and reflect on this simple yet powerful prayer from Jesus and then pray boldly to your Father in Heaven who tells us to. 

In His Grip,
Pastor Dave