Praying the
Lord’s Prayer
Have
you ever wondered what prompted the disciples to ask, “Lord, teach us to pray”?
(Luke 11:1 KJV) Were they too distracted watching Jesus work that they couldn’t
focus on how to talk to the Father? Did they sense complacency in their spirits
because Jesus was physically present? Realizing that he would not always be
with them physically, did they sense a need to prepare for the time when he
wouldn’t be there? Whatever the reason, I’m glad they asked. I’m even more thrilled with the answer they
received—the epic words we know as “The Lord’s Prayer” (Luke 11:2-4, Matthew
6:9-13) are a phenomenal framework for daily devotion.
Even
if the disciples weren’t distracted or complacent, I sometimes am. I’m human. I get busy and harried. I pray on the run. However, a couple months
ago, I felt challenged to pray a personalized version of this prayer every day
for 30 days. It changed my life. It
strengthened my soul. Those 30 days were
up over a month ago, and I find myself still turning to that model. Everything I need for every day is wrapped
up in this prayer. Every day I followed
the outline. Every day I prayed the
prayer. Every day my soul grew stronger.
Though my words were different daily, the progression was the same.
My Father in
Heaven, your name is safety. The writer of Proverbs said that the name of the
Lord is a strong tower and place of safety for the righteous (18:10). Thank you for the safety you provide to those
who follow you. I am in awe of your care
for me.
Because your
kingdom is where your will is done, I ask that you would establish your kingdom
in my life. Help me to be open to your
will that you may work through me to prosper your kingdom in this world.
Father, you
know what this day holds. Please give me
the strength to get through this day.
You know those of my friends and family who are facing obstacles today. Please give them strength and courage to make
it through this day, too. Help us to
trust you with each part of our day.
Lord, help
me to have a loving and forgiving spirit toward others. Make love and forgiveness my first response. Do not let me harbor ill will. Help me to
remember that I have needed forgiveness too and to offer it freely. Help me to love others as you love them and
to forgive as I would want to be forgiven.
Please help
me not to be tempted to sin today.
However, if I am, please grant me the spiritual fortitude to withstand
temptation and be victorious. Deliver me from evil.
For all that
you do in my life, for every opportunity I have to forward your kingdom, for
every strength of soul and spirit you offer me today, the honor, glory and
praise will always be yours. Amen.
So
this month, I’m passing along the challenge—30 days of praying your own version
of The Lord’s Prayer. It’s simple. Begin
by praising God, acknowledging his magnificence and reminding yourself of his ability
to care for you. Unrestrictedly offer yourself to his service. Acknowledge your humanity and humbly accept his
help for that day. Ask that he fill you with his spirit and that his attributes
will flow through you, touching others.
Be sure to give Satan his morning kick in the teeth by asking God to
make you triumphant against temptation.
At any point, when you think of someone who may be struggling with
something addressed in this prayer, mention them too. And always end by giving the praise for any
accomplishments to God because without his grace you’d be lost.
I
encourage you to keep a prayer journal and read over your prayers from time to
time. I hope that praying this prayer
makes you more cognizant of God’s help, more willing to rely on him, and more triumphant
against the messengers Satan sends to buffet you. Ultimately, I pray that you
will feel yourself encouraged, strengthened, and more in love with Jesus as you
pray in the manner he told us to model. I
promise your life will never be the same.
Live blessed!
**This
idea came to me while taking a Bible class years ago, so I share credit for
this segment with the teacher--my incredible earthly father. Thanks, Daddy, for teaching a wonderful
concept that has stuck even after all these years. Perhaps someday we’ll write a book together!!