The Perfect Prayer- Session 2

9 “This, then, is how you should pray:

“‘Our Father in heaven,
hallowed be your name,
10 your kingdom come,
your will be done,
    on earth as it is in heaven.
11 Give us today our daily bread.
12 And forgive us our debts,
    as we also have forgiven our debtors.
13 And lead us not into temptation,[a]
    but deliver us from the evil one.[b]’ Matthew 6:9-13

How to Pray –

Our Father who is in heaven.

Most OT Jewish prayers begin with, “Blessed are you, O God, our Lord, King of the Universe.” They had no trouble believing in an invisible God of judgement and miracles. They had heard about the God of floods, parting waters, sending fire from heaven, a burning bush, a pillar of fire and a cloud of smoke. They knew about His judgements against disobedience, sin and rebellion. They knew they were to love Him with heart, soul and mind, as supreme and Sovereign King, Creator, Master of the universe. Very rarely had he been addressed with the intimacy of the term FATHER! Only 10 times in entire Old Testament was He referred to as a Father. It would have sounded to them disrespectful, scandalous, unbelievable, irreverent.  And yet, that is how Jesus addressed God. In fact, He is addressed as Father 165 times in the New Testament.

Although Jesus addressed God as, “My Father,” He makes sure we address Him as “Our” Father, reminding us that all who believe and accept His Son’s sacrifice for our salvation are adopted sons and daughters with the same privilege as His Son, Jesus, to call upon His name.  He is not our Baptist Father, Lutheran Father, Methodist Father, Catholic Father… but Father of all who believe.

Can you imagine the impact God’s children could have in our communities if we all joined together in one accord to bring light into the darkness around us. What If we put aside our doctrinal pitching points and lived out the two Great Commandments to love God first and then others as ourselves? Imagine the glory that would bring to Our Father.

The next time you pray this prayer remember you are not in this alone. You were never meant to be an independent believer. You are part of the most powerful family on earth. Our Father is building a room for each of us in his mansion. If his children can’t live together in harmony and peace here on earth??? Just ponder on that.

Next we will see how we can Hallow His Name .

The Perfect Prayer

I just finished teaching a series on The Lord’s Prayer and want to spend the next few posts looking at what Jesus taught His disciples about prayer. Hope you will join me on this adventure. We will begin with …

How Not to Pray

When the disciples asked Jesus to teach them how to pray, was it because they had never prayed before and they didn’t know anything about prayer? Did they need to pray more or pray harder? If not, then why did they ask him to teach them about prayer since they had grown up with the prayers prayed in their Jewish homes.? 

One day Jesus was praying in a certain place. When he finished, one of his disciples said to him, “Lord, teach us to pray, just as John taught his disciples. Luke 11:1

“And when you pray, do not be like the hypocrites, for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the street corners to be seen by others. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full. 6 But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you. 7 And when you pray, do not keep on babbling like pagans, for they think they will be heard because of their many words. 8 Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him. Matthew 6:5-8

When the disciples asked Jesus to teach them how to pray, was it because they had never prayed before and they didn’t know anything about prayer? Did they need to pray more or pray harder? If not, then why did they ask him to teach them about prayer since they had grown up with the prayers in their Jewish homes.? 

I believe they had watched Jesus and heard Him pray. They had seen Him go to the mountain to be alone as He prayed. They noticed something different about His prayers and were curious. His prayers seem to be more personal and resulted in miracles. So naturally they wanted to know His secret. They wanted to be like Him so they wanted to know how to pray like Him.

Isn’t it interesting that the first thing He teaches them is, “how not to pray”? First, do not pray in public places to impress everyone with your piety and devotion. He is not talking here about genuine prayer in small groups or worship. But even in those times remember your prayers are not a competition or declaration of your designation as a prayer warrior. He is saying that when you pray to impress people, you must expect people to answer your prayers. Good Luck!

Secondly, you are not to babble like the pagans, repeating the same thing over and over as if God has set a standard of 144 times before He tunes in to your prayer.  God does not have memory issues. He knows what you need before you utter a word.

I want to add a third from my own experience, God is not hard of hearing. He does not need hearing aids. My dear, sweet, saintly mother begged to differ at this point. I remember waking up in the morning to her prayers. She prayed for my unsaved father, my brothers, her friends, and me. The longer she prayed, the louder she got and when she reached my name, it seemed to me she was shouting! I lay in my bed wondering what kind of horrible creature I must be that she needed to raise the roof with her requests for my faithfulness to Jesus and protection from the enemy. Today I see it from a different perspective. She wasn’t shouting for God’s benefit but out of desperation that I stay true to Him and not face the sinful things she had faced in her life before she surrendered to Christ. I find myself looking at this sinful world and praying with the same intensity for my kids and grandkids. Although shouting in not necessary, I am groaning desperately in my spirit for the

Now we know how not to pray.

                We do not pray to impress people.

                We do not babble on and on, repeating the same thing over and over.

                We do not need to shout at God.

 Let’s see what Jesus says about how we are to pray in our next several posts.

No Gender Restrictions

They agreed they were in this for good, completely together in prayer, the women included. Also, Jesus’ mother, Mary, and his brothers. Acts 1:14

Luke doesn’t miss a beat in his detailed account of Jesus’ life to Theophilus. He is trying to convince him that Jesus was not only the Son of God, but that He continues to be active in the lives of His disciples, including the women. When they said they were in it for good, they meant as participants, not spectators!

We are reminded once again that women were important and were disciples also! I wonder how many of the 120 in the upper room were women. Man or woman, all were to pray and wait for the Holy Spirit. He would come upon them all, not just the 12. Here we also have it confirmed that Jesus’ brothers became followers.   I wonder about His sisters. Hum….  Jesus showed that God was not a respecter of gender. I love it. From the very beginning of His ministry women were given the same spiritual power and expectations to witness as men. They (we) are all responsible to share our salvation story and God’s work in our lives with those around us who need to know Him and not just know about Him.

Dear Jesus, this should be a message well-received by women of today. We are not second- class citizens in God’s kingdom, nor are we any better or less than men. God doesn’t see gender; He sees willing and obedient hearts. He sees’ spirits that are surrendered and available to Him. Help us not to define our spiritual possibilities or use in the kingdom by gender or anything, but obedience to Jesus. May that be our focus as His disciples! May we remember if we want to be defined as a disciple, we must accept the responsibility of a disciple – one who shares Christ with others.

No Hidden Agendas

…..we and the Message are free of error, mixed motives, or hidden agendas. We never used words to butter you up. No one knows that better than you. And God knows we never used words as a smoke screen to take advantage of you.     I Thessalonians 2:5     The Message

Apparently Paul took heed to Jesus words in Matthew 12:36-37 (NIV)

6 But I tell you that everyone will have to give account on the day of judgment for every empty word they have spoken. 37 For by your words you will be acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned.”

Paul is emphasizing here that the words they spoke to correct and encourage the Thessalonians were not for man’s approval but for God’s. They did not use their words to take advantage or butter people up. They knew the truth of what they were preaching and stood firm on that truth. And there is every indication that they were kind – like a father- as they spoke to these converts.

How often have I used words that I thought would influence others, even if they weren’t exactly accurate? How often have we as Christians used scripture to prove what we want it to say? How often have we taken words out of context to prove our point

Using slanted words, half-truths, misrepresentations is so common today that we no longer trust what anyone says, even preachers. Words carry weight, have an unbelievable influence for good or bad. Words hide the truth, or offer truth, hope, direction and encouragement. The truth, not always pleasant to our ears, is necessary to help us grow and fulfill God’s plan for His Kingdom purposes. Jesus says we will be judged by our words. We should always check our words and the words of others but God’s Word of truth.

Father, You know how powerful words are and how much I love to use them to my advantage. Oh, Jesus, check me when my words are not pleasing to You and when I am not telling YOUR truth. Holy Spirit, speak through me and help me stand firm on Your Word when I would rather play it safe and please or appease. When my words come from You, and a heart of love I can be assured whether in praise or loving rebuke, You will use them for Your glory. I am so in need of Your mighty power and grace in this area! Remind me to ask myself, “What would Jesus say in this situation?”

Our God Solves Mysteries

When Daniel finished, King Nebuchadnezzar fell on his face in awe before Daniel. He ordered the offering of sacrifices and burning of incense in Daniel’s honor. He said to Daniel, “Your God is beyond question the God of all gods, the Master of all kings. And he solves all mysteries, I know, because you’ve solved this mystery.” Daniel2:46-47

Daniel explained the king’s dream in detail and was accurate in all he said. The king was so amazed, he fell on his face in awe and honored Daniel in the only way he knew.  Nebuchadnezzar was convinced Daniel’s God was “the GOD above all gods”.  What an awesome declaration by the most powerful king of that time! 

I am enjoying Daniel this time around for its simplicity! The statue with the symbolism of the kingdoms and prophecies is interesting, but I am just amazed by God’s awesome power and purpose in a life devoted to Him. To have someone look at you because of the way you live, and the way God uses His power in you and declare God is real gives me chills! I want to be that kind of believer!

God, You are so awesome and powerful and offer the same power to us today that You gave Daniel. He paid the price with his commitment, discipline and sacrifice and You changed a kingdom because of it. I don’t pretend to have reached that level of belief, but I want to keep listening, obeying, and allowing You to work through me in any way You choose, to help others believe and experience Your unconditional love and solve the mysteries in their lives. You have all the answers before we even ask the questions.  You have never lost control and never will. What we are facing today is not surprising or confusing to You. We don’t have to be afraid because You will still be in control after the election, and anything else this world throws at us! We WIN!!!  Thank You, Jesus!!!!

You Are the Message

The news of your faith in God is out. We don’t even have to say anything anymore—you’re the message! 1 Thessalonians 1:7

Paul was bragging about the Thessalonians converts who had accepted the Word and stood firm in their faith. The world around them could see the change and news spread of their radiant faith.

Those words, “You’re the message,” caught my attention this morning. Their lives were so full of Christ that they became the gospel to their world. They were following the example that Paul, Timothy and Silas had taught them. These were Paul’s children (disciples) in Christ; therefore they exhibited that same joy that Paul had. They accepted the truth from his lips and his example. This is my desire for my life and my church, that others see Christ through us and will join with us in following Christ. As Blackaby expressed so well this morning, we are not perfect or flawless, but like Peter, we are continually running toward Christ. Wherever we see Him at work, we want to run to be there with Him.

Jesus, help me to be a world changer. Help our church to be full of world changers. Oh, Father, we can’t change even one person – ourselves- but you can change us and use us to be an example that others want to follow as we follow YOU! It’s a bit scary to think of others following my imperfect example, but I know it’s not about me but what you are doing in me that attracts others to You!  I yield this day to You for Your purposes and Your glory. Work in my mind today and give me clear thinking. Thank You for loving and transforming me to reflect Your glory!

Uncontaminated Love

The whole point of what we’re urging is simply love—love uncontaminated by self-interest and counterfeit faith, a life open to God. 1 Timothy 1:5

Paul continues to urge his followers to follow Jesus with uncontaminated love. Paul, who was so full of hatred before he met Jesus, is now stuck on the theme of love. Love that is pure, selfless, and genuine. Knowing Paul’s past as an adamant, rule-keeping, judgmental follower of the law, it is sometime difficult to believe the 180 degrees turn in his life. I’m sure love didn’t come naturally after he met Jesus. Maybe that is why it took 14 years before he was confirmed by the apostles to preach the gospel. He had to have time to grow in love and let go of his past. Whatever the process, I know that growing in love is a lifetime process for me. Love that is completely free of self-interest continues to be my goal. I have experienced so much growth in the last few years, but I still have “miles to go before I sleep.”

Jesus, Jesus, help me to love like You love – a love that sees every individual as a child of God needing love, and every situation as redeemable. You made me with drive, enthusiasm, and a desire to see things accomplished. But without an outpouring of Your love over those character traits, they produce impatience, anxiety, and fear. I ask that You purify those traits to accomplish Your will and encourage others in love! Thank You, Father, for Your faithfulness “even to my old age and gray hair!!!! (Isa. 46-4)

Commitment-Contentment-Courage

Deuteronomy 6:6 -And you must commit yourselves wholeheartedly to these commands that I am giving you today. (NLT)

Philippians 4:11 – for I have learned how to be content with whatever I have.

(NIV)Joshua 1:9 -This is my command—be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” (NLT)

At the beginning of each year, I ask the Lord for a scripture to focus on and guide me through the new year. This year I do not have one word, but the letter, -“C” – Commit, be Content and take Courage. It will be easy to remember these as my email has 3Cs in it. I am also to forget the past, the good, bad and ugly, and look forward to the awesome things He is going to do in my future. As I enter the unknown of 2025, I can be assured that if I commit to obeying God’s will and am content with His answers and plans, He will give me the courage to face the year with hope and anticipation of what He will do in this world, our country, my community, my church, my family, and my life.

Father, may Your will be done on earth in 2025 as it has been ordained in heaven. May I not focus on what I see, but what You have promised. This world is not my home, I am a citizen of Your kingdom and a daughter of the King. My hope is in You, my help comes from You and my inheritance is in heaven.

Do Not Be Intimidated

Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous! Do not be terrified or dismayed (intimidated), for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9

This theme runs throughout the book of Joshua and these verses are some of the most encouraging in scripture. obey Me and be strong. I will never abandon you! Do not be terrified or intimidated! I am with you wherever you go!

When scripture says, “do not be,” it is very likely you will be in a situation where you WILL be tempted to dismay, fear, intimidation or whatever weakness your situation resurrects in you. These are powerful verses for battle against the enemy of our soul. But promises are always based on commands. If you-you will, or if you-I will. In the previous verses, we are to obey the Word and meditate on it day and night and God promises victory to overcome. Sometimes the greatest victories are over the little things, while other victories come in overwhelming situations. Both take the power and promises of God to overcome and be victorious in Him. Whether the battle is small or great we are told to fear not, not to be afraid or be intimidated as our God is always with us. As we begin 2025- let us march forward in hope and expectation remembering God is ALWAYS with us!

Father, thank You for these scriptures and for Your continued reminder that You will never leave or forsake us and to not allow fear, intimidation or the size of the enemy to steal our victory. The enemy is still the enemy whether great or small, but we have the power of the Creator, Redeemer, all Powerful God, promised to us. The victory has already been won! As we begin 2025, let us march forward in faith and expectation, remembering God IS AWALYS WITH US!

Forget and Anticipate

“Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past See, I am doing a new thing!…
Isa 43:18

Thank You for this passage, Lord. Oh, how I want to forget all the things that have affected me negatively in my past. All those things that have created insecurity, unfounded fears, poor self-image, distrust and unworthiness. I am so glad those are all under the blood and I don’t have to accept those lies of the enemy as your child.  BUT WAIT!

          “But forget all that—it is nothing compared to what I am going to do.  Isa 43:18. (NLT)

Go ahead, read it for yourself in Isaiah 43:1-17. God recounts all the wonderful things He has done in the past for His children. Then He tells them to forget all those things. What? That doesn’t make sense…. until you read the last part of the verse. It’s like He is saying, “You ain’t seen nothing’ yet!” Wait until you see what I am going to do tomorrow, next year, next century, next millennium! You have no idea how much I love You and what I will do to redeem you.

How about You? Are you still trying to forget the negative things in your past or holding on to all the good things God has already done for you?  Maybe it’s time to look for the good things Jesus is doing today and anticipating miracles for tomorrow. Could it be that we are missing out on present blessings because our minds are focused on a repeat of the past, putting God in the box of our memories. we are so excited about what He has done that we forget who He is and what He can do. Remember He is Creator God, King of Kings, Almighty God, Wonderful Counselor, Prince of Peace and so much more!

As we enter 2025, let’s not live in the past, but anticipate His work in our present and future. Although we may not see what we are looking for we can trust He is completing His Will on earth as it is in heaven for each of us and His kingdom.