Prayer, at is core, starts with longing for God’s presence.
“Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.” (Matthew 6:9-10)
From this place of God centred prayer, we can then ask for his provision, forgiveness and protection.
‘Give us today our daily bread…’ (Matthew 6:11)
God wants us to rely on him daily. A heart to have just enough daily. Not too much or too little. What we need for today because we can come back tomorrow. This sees us living dependent on God. A daily approach of asking and thanking God for his provision because every good gift is from God.
How focused are your prayers on God’s provision today, leaving tomorrow for tomorrow?
“And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors.” (Matthew 6:12)
Jesus is reminding us in this prayer that the gospel that saves us and sanctifies us, includes repentance and forgiveness. Our daily prayers are about acknowledging our failings and God’s desire to forgive. It also sets our focus on how we are to view and relate to others. In light of God’s forgiveness, we aren’t to hold grudges, but rather show grace. A grace we have received in and through Jesus.
Are your prayers a daily humble seeking of forgiveness?
“And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.” (Matthew 6:13)
We are dependant on God for protection from temptation. We should never be anxious that we can’t overcome temptation, nor arrogant to think we can overcome it ourselves.
Is God your first conversation partner when you are tempted?
As we learn to pray for provision, forgiveness and protection, we won’t just receive from God but also be shaped by the requests we make.
May we be a church family who daily cry out to God for his provision, forgiveness and protection. Together seeking to have our lives informed and shaped by what God desires..
‘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)
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