The Lord's Prayer

“This, then, is how you should pray: ‘Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.'" (Matthew 6:9-13) Have you ever truly read to Lord's prayer to understand it? They are amazingly powerful words! As you read this well-known passage of the scripture, for it is a Bible verse, there are many seemingly simple phrases that are amazingly powerful, but so it is with everything else Jesus said. The first is when He says "This, then, is how you should pray." What a broad statement. So many people seem to take the Lord's prayer as WHAT we should pray. Jesus simply asks that we pray like that. And here is how I interpret that. In the Lord's prayer, there is no begging or asking for things of this world. In his prayer, Jesus never asks that his burden of redeeming the world be taken from him. His prayer is simply a request to be more Godly. To be more worthy. I think we should take a cue from that. When you pray, don't only beg for things of this world that you desire, ask God to help you give the world what He desires to give them. It says "your kingdom come...on earth as it is in heaven." What a powerful statement. As followers of the most high God, we are to ask Him to do His will and through that heaven will be evident on earth. What a beautiful mission! God calls us to greater things, even in our prayer! I ask you, next time you open your Bible, turn to Matthew 6 and read Jesus' instruction to us. It is not a command or a recitation. It is simply a suggestion. God truly only desires to connect with us deeply, but He still likes to give us some help. So read the beautiful words, and maybe learn something. I know I did! There are great things in store for you, if you will only step out. And prayer is the greatest way to find God!