Part Three: The Lords Prayer

We are at war! Everyone of us were born into a world at war. I’m sorry to be the bearer of bad news, but there is a cunning enemy out there who is intent on destroying our relationship with God. However, God has won the victory on the Cross, but we must maintain that victory. Each individual needs victory in their lives. How can there be victory without a battle? How can there be a battle without an enemy? How can there be an enemy without a conflict? With Christ, our victory over conflict is assured. Our victory is in Him.

We have learned that God yearns for a relationship with us and being in His presence is where everything happens. Remember now that Jesus mainly talks to us through His Word, and Jesus IS the Word [1]. In turn, we talk to Jesus through our prayers. This begs the question, “How do we pray?” Well, brothers and sisters, it so happens that Jesus taught us how to pray through His Word. This pattern of prayer, you can find in Matthew 9:6-13 and in Luke 11:1-4.

v9 After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.
v10 Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.
v11 Give us this day our daily bread.
v12 And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.
v13 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. [Matthew 6:9-13 KJV]

Although there is nothing wrong with just praying this prayer, it was actually taught to the Disciples as a topical prayer. Each stanza is a topic to be prayed individually: God’s rightful place as the Father (9), praise God for who He is and all that He has done (v9), God’s will and plans are in control and not our own (v10), ask God for the things that we need (v11), Confess our sins and repent (v12), and request protection and help in overcoming sin and Satan’s attacks on us (v13).

Our gracious heavenly Father, you are the Father of us all and we worship you and thank you for your grace, mercy, and love. We thank you for you are the sovereign God of the universe. I ask you Lord for more of you, I desire more of you in every way. Forgive me Lord, a pitiful sinner. Help me to turn away from disobedience to you. I want to please you Father. Protect and deliver me Lord from the wiles of the enemy. I pray a hedge of protection about me and my family. Father, I thank you for your Son and for His sacrifice for me. Father, a simple thank you doesn’t seem enough for what He went through on the Cross. Father, yours is the Kingdom, the power, and the glory eternally and forever, AMEN.

The Father’s love is forever and everlasting, AMEN!
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[1] John 1:1
Next week: God’s call to prayer.