The Lords Prayer

In New Testament times, rabbis often provided index-prayers or patterns for prayer. Each short part focused on one essential part of our relationship with Him. The Lord's prayer (Matthew 6:9-13) can do that and far more, if we will use it as a pathway to intimacy with God. When we do, He opens our eyes to see from His perspective, enables us to share His heart, and keeps us close to Himself as we continue our earthly journey:



1. Our Father who are in heaven, holy is Your
Name.


Worship Him! Whether by inner acknowledgment or outward motion, bow before the King, your Father and Shepherd, in faith, love, humility and surrender, the attitude of worship. Whisper or speak His names (some are listed in the appendix), letting them remind you of all that He is, all that He has, and all that He wants to share with you, His precious bride.


2. Your Kingdom come, Your will be done, on earth, as it is in heaven.


Surrender to Him! Our King reigns -- He always has and He always will. Today, the goodness of His kingdom is demonstrated wherever His will is known and followed. Pray that the King will reign in your heart and do His will through your life this day. (Mark 14:36, John 4:34, 5:30; Romans 12:1-2, ).


3. Give us this day our daily bread.


Trust Him for daily provision!</I> Jesus, Himself the Bread of life, longs to equip you with the riches and resources of His life. When you give yourself to Him, He gives Himself to you. You become one with Him -- not in the New Age sense where the human personality is absorbed into a pantheistic force -- but in the privilege of sharing in His life. All that He is and has becomes available to you so that He can fulfill His purpose in you. This is covenant relationship, and it's far more wonderful than human thoughts can conceive.




4. Forgive us of our tresspasses as we forgive those who tresspass against us.


Thank Him for His Grace -- and share it with others!</I> God calls us to "be holy" as He is holy; nothing less can qualify us for the heavenly throne room of our King. That means there must be no hindrance to the biblical oneness between Him and you, nor between you and His other friends.




5. Lead us not into temptation but Deliver us from the evil one.


Battle in prayer! </I> Stand firm in the spiritual victories Christ won for you at the cross. They are living realities for those who belong to Him. So trust His Word and authority, then stand immovable against the enemies of the Kingdom.



6. For Yours is the Kingdom and the power and the glory forever!

Praise Him! trust Him!</I>The Kingdom belongs to God, but He shares its riches now and forever with His children who trust and follow Him.