07/14/2022
This is just a short look, I could go on and on!
I want to talk about prayer in the Kingdom of Heaven. (Luke 11:2-4) Let's look at the model prayer Jesus taught his disciples. We all know the words by heart but do we know the concepts that He was trying to get across? It starts, "Our (not my) Father, when we approach God, we are to bring other people's concerns with us. As a new Christian we often pray our shipping list; our financial list, our career list, and many other things that is selfishness and we forget others. But when we start out knowing who we are approaching , we remember His heart for others (Our Father) When we call Him Father we identify who He is. One definition of the word father is "Source". He is the source who provides for our needs as well as for others. Whatever the problem,, The Father has the answer. He is "Abba" (Mark13:36), The source.
"Our Father in Heaven", Jesus is saying "when you pray, remember that you're not praying to someone on Earth", Why? Because that's where the problem is. You need external help. We are saying to God, "I recognize that I need help for outside my realm". A confession of Submission. "You're greater than all of us, O Lord, we need an intermediary. We have to depend on Jesus and Holy Spirit to be our intermediaries with God.
"Hallowed be Your name." Hallowed means reverenced, set apart, or sanctified. We begin with worship to the Father as the Holy One. We honor all the attributes of His holiness, His love, His faithfulness, His integrity and His grace. You worship. You adore. You exalt. You magnify. You deify. You glorify. You are in His presence. Let your spirit and heart fly and meet His.
"Your Kingdom come, Your will be done on earth as it is in Heaven" This statement means you are not interested in your own kingdom or agenda but only HIs. Questions are always better than statements like "I want". Father what do you want done? What do you want to happen on earth today? not just His will, But you know the Word, pray it as HIs will. Know what you are praying. Unless you are using your heavenly language. Yes it's His will but you can make it personal. If you know of sickness, His will is for them to be healed, He want those anxious to have peace. Those who feel condemned to know they are in Him Where there is no condemnation. (Rom. 8:1.)
"And do not lead us into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one." Not that God leads us into temptation, it's usually our idea, but that He would give us wisdom so we won't put ourselves into situations that will cause us to compromise our relationship with Him. We need strength and wisdom to stop making bad decision.
"For yours is the Kingdom and the power and the glory forever Amen!" After you pray, worship again, Let your burdens lift to Him.
