Think a Minute:
Every Sunday, in our churches, I, along with the congregations take a few moments to intercede in prayer for those with needs, and then we end our time of prayer by praying the Lord’s Prayer. This prayer, taught by Jesus to His disciples and ultimately to us is a powerful prayer. I personally pray this prayer at different times of the day throughout the week. Sometimes, even before I get out of bed in the mornings, I begin praying the Lord’s Prayer and it takes about a minute or two. Then, I am spiritually ready to begin my day, although my main prayer time is not while laying in bed! Some days, I close my day with this prayer before I go to sleep. The Lord’s prayer is the model set by Jesus for prayer. It covers worship, intercession, asking forgiveness and seeking the Lord for our needs, asking for guidance, yielding to God and seeking victory over sin. May I suggest that you make it at a daily habit to pray this prayer? If it is prayed with faith, I believe you will begin to see God move in your life in powerful ways. Sometimes when I pray the Lord’s prayer, I do a little paraphrasing. Here is a way to pray the prayer. I will break it down phrase by phrase. I encourage you to make this your prayer routine each day:
“Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be Your name” (…may Your name be hallowed in my duties today…as Your name is hallowed in heaven.)
” Thy kingdom come” (…may You reign in my life on earth as You rule in heaven.)
“Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven” (….in my work, my interactions with others…my life in general…as Your will is done perfectly in heaven.)
“Give me daily bread” (…for my physical strength…for all my needs this day.)
“Forgive me my sins” (…and the consequences of my sins…including my actions and intent…and forgive others as you have forgiven me.)
“Lead me not into temptation” (…don’t let sin overwhelm me, but give me victory today.)
“Deliver me from the evil one” (…protect me from physical and spiritual harm.)
“For Thine is the kingdom” (…I recognize Your ability to do these things.)
“For Thine is the power” (…I recognize Your ability to do these things.)
“For Thine is the glory” (I give You credit for every answer.)
“In Jesus’ name…” Amen and Amen!
Pastor Rob Pesola