Good morning,
This week we will conclude our three week study on prayer. The topics include, prayer, how to pray, and subjects of prayer.
Prayer is talking with God. God desires a personal relationship with His people. God wants us to come to Him with our praises, concerns, and requests. In response, God speaks to us through His word, other people, or even a still small voice.
This week we will look at the subjects of prayer.
The Lord’s Prayer (Matthew 6:9-13)
After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.10 Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.11 Give us this day our daily bread.12 And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.13 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.
Our Father which art in heaven
“Our Father who art in heaven” is teaching us who to address our prayers to, the Father.
Hallowed be thy name
“Hallowed be thy name” is telling us to worship God, and to praise Him for who He is.
Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven
The phrase “thy kingdom come, thy will be done in earth as it is in heaven” is a reminder to us that we are to pray for God’s plan in our lives and the world, not our own plan. We are to pray for God’s will to be done, not for our desires.
Give us this day our daily bread
We are encouraged to ask God for the things we need in “give us this day our daily bread.”
Forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors
“Forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors” reminds us to confess our sins to God and to turn from them – and then also to forgive others as God has forgiven us.
Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil
The conclusion of the Lord’s prayer, “And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil” is a plea for help in achieving victory over sin and a request for protection from the attacks of the devil.
For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever
It is God’s kingdom, who has the power and the glory forever.
We are challenged to focus in on who God is, why we should worship Him, His kingdom, His provision, His forgiveness, and His deliverance. God wants us to know that He is the creator God, who takes care of His children.
Do we believe this? If so, how are we demonstrating that to a world that is lost in sin?
Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001
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