Jesus said,
“Pray like this: Our Father in heaven, may your name be kept holy. May your Kingdom come soon. May your will be done on earth, as it is in heaven. Give us today the food we need, and forgive us our sins, as we have forgiven those who sin against us. And don’t let us yield to temptation, but rescue us from the evil one. Matthew 6:9-13 (NLT)
When Jesus was going to leave us, He gave us two important tools for our toolbox – the Lord’s Prayer and the Holy Spirit.
The Lord’s Prayer
There is so much to say about this offering from our Lord. Each phrase can be broken down and carries its own message. Please take the time to consider each line and remember it was Christ who authored this prayer as an alternative to the “babble” of some religious groups; the prayers of hypocrites praying publicly; or doing good deeds to be admired by others.
The Lord’s Prayer was Jesus’ answer. He shared that the Father already knew what they (we) needed before they asked and so He implored them to pray humbly to God. If the Father’s name is kept holy; if His Kingdom is coming; if His will is done and if we ask Jesus to forgive our sins as we forgive others for their sins against us – then we will receive our daily bread and be rescued from Satan.
The “rescue” Jesus is talking about can be any situation that is troubling you and may even seem unresolvable. Although we may be “tempted” to strike out in anger or take circumstances into our own hands and rely on our own experience, God is asking us to pray not to yield.
Holy Spirit
Jesus promised His disciples in the moments before He was taken up in a cloud to heaven, “ … you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you.” Acts 1:9 (NLT)
We know the Holy Spirit lives in us and is always available and faithful to guide us in the way of the Lord. The Holy Spirit works hand-in-hand with the Lord’s Prayer to direct and protect God’s children.
Try something this week … allow a few minutes twice a day to pray the Lord’s Prayer and remind yourself that this was Jesus’ prayer to help you. Jesus + People.
Jesus loves you!
Terry & Val