What Jesus Did! - Model Prayer

So when you pray, you should pray like this: 'Our Father in heaven, we pray that your name will always be kept holy. We pray that your kingdom will come, and that the things you want will be done here on earth, the same as in heaven.

Give us the food we need for each day. Forgive the sins we have done, the same as we have forgiven the people that did wrong to us. Don't let us be tempted (tested); but save us from the Evil One (the devil).'
- Matthew 6:9-13 (ERV)

THOUGHT:

Much has been written about Jesus' model prayer. Rather than something to be blindly recited, this is a short guide for disciples on how to pray. The prayer easily divides into two parts: first, we recognize the inestimable greatness of God, and then we recognize our dependency upon him.

As the previous verses indicate, God is our Father whom we can approach freely as Father, while at the same time revering his holiness. The first three petitions ask God to accomplish his ultimate will in our world and reveal his holy purposes to all people.

The second three acknowledge our need for sustenance, forgiveness, and strength to face the rigors of daily spiritual and physical life. Bottom line: prayer doesn't need to be eloquent, but reverent of God, penitent before God, and dependent upon God while approaching him with confidence as his children.

PRAYER:

Holy and tender Father, I pray that you exert your power in our world and work your will in irrefutable and glorious ways. I trust you to fill my daily needs as I depend upon your mercy and grace to forgive me and empower me to forgive. May my life be used in your service to accomplish your will. In the name of Jesus I pray. Amen.

Related Scriptures:

Look! You are our father! Abraham doesn't know us. Israel (Jacob) does not recognize us. Lord, you are our father! You are the One who has always saved us! - Isaiah 63:16

But Lord, you are our father. We are like clay. And you are the potter. Your hands made us all. - Isaiah 64:8

You pray to God and call him Father. God judges each man's work equally. So while you are visiting {here on earth}, you should live with fear (respect) for God. - 1 Peter 1:17

The Lord's Prayer