Foundations September 27, 2012

Gospel Reading Plan: Luke 23-24

Christ’s Model for Prayer

Read: Matthew 6:5-14; Luke 11:2-4

Jesus gave us a model for prayer which is commonly called the Lord’s Prayer.  In this prayer He gives us a form to follow but it is important to remember that it is only an outline and we are to fill in the blanks. 

Our Father in heaven – We pray directly to God
hallowed be your name – God’s nature is holy
your kingdom come – a desire to see His Kingdom be established on earth
your will be done  - a desire to see God`s will be done
on earth as it is in heaven – when God`s name is hallowed, when His Kingdom comes and His will is done then earth will be like heaven
Give us today our daily bread – we can ask about daily provisions and personal needs

Forgive us our debts – we are expected to confess sin
as we also have forgiven our debtors – we are also expected to forgive others
and lead us not into temptation – we are to pray about resisting temptation, fleeing from sin
but deliver us from the evil one – we are to pray for protection from evil

The elements of this prayer are so simple, so childlike, a marked contrast between the prayer of the Pharisees.  Prayers can be done by the youngest child up to the university graduate. 

PRAYER AND MEDITATION

1. Which element of the Lord’s Prayer stands out to you today?
2. Spend some time going through each element of the Lord’s prayer, pray about each item mentioned based on your own needs and walk with God.
3. Pray that you would continue to grow in your prayer life and that you would grow in your passion for prayer.