Matthew 6:1, “Be careful! When you do good things, don’t do them in front of people to be seen by them. If you do that, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven.”
Since Jesus walked this earth, all Christians have heard this prayer at some point in their life. It is arguably the best-known prayer in the world. We've recited it when we're alone, in corporate prayers during worship, it's a prayer we teach our children. By saying the Lord's Prayer, we learn to pray in a way that honors God and reflects what we believe. Jesus taught the Lord's Prayer as a way we can come to God and away from vain, look-at-me prayers that many in His time, and that many still do today.
So, before we dive deeper into our blog can you recite the prayer? “Our Father, who art in Heaven, hollowed be thy name. Thy Kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in Heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. Forgive us our debts as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not to temptation but deliver us from evil. For thine is the Kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever. Amen.”
Okay, yep, we know it but let's now look a little deeper.
I cannot say OUR if my religion has no room for others and their needs- Hebrews 13:16
I cannot say FATHER if I do not demonstrate this relationship in my life- Matthew 6:33
Is your life so busy that you forget your devotional time or prayer or push it to another day? Do you show a trust and faith in God by your words and actions? Do others know God lives in your life and heart; can they see it?
I cannot say WHO ART IN HEAVEN if all my interests and pursuits are in earthly things- Matthew 6:19-21
We all have our worldly voices. More and more it's smartphones, tablets or iPads, that we can't live without. We like to read, watch TV, and take extra time for ‘fun’ activities. But do we hold these above our time with God. Do we lose ourselves in time in them, and push God aside? Where are your treasures being stored?
I cannot say HOLLOWED BE THY NAME if I, who am called by His name, am not holy- Ephesians 4:22
Outside of church who are you? At work how do others perceive you? Are you the same or do you have an unholy mannerism that reflects the world. Are you living your life instead of each day with Jesus?
I cannot say THY KINGDOM COME if I'm unwilling to give up my sovereignty and accept the righteous reign of God- Proverbs 3:5-6
It's easy to let God lead when you are in need of something, stressed, in the middle of a storm, but what about when things are good? Or when you ‘know’ you can handle it. Can you still trust God's reign even if it leads you on a different path?
I cannot say THY WILL BE DONE if I'm unwilling or resentful having it in my life-
Isaiah 41:10
God never said we'd live on easy street. We will face many trials, headaches, temptations, and maybe more. Can you truly accept God's will even if you must walk through the fire, even if your health fails you, even if a loved one dies. Do you accept His full will for you no matter what the outcome?
I cannot say ON EARTH AS IT IS IN HEAVEN if I'm not truly ready to give myself to His service here and now- Isaiah 6:8
Even if it means moving to Alaska or Africa, can you walk away from your life as it is now, to serve God where He leads you? We are God's vessels to share His light to a world of darkness, but first we must be willing to serve as the Lord has asked us to or where He asks us to go.
I cannot say GIVE US THIS DAY OUR DAILY BREAD if I am not expending an honest effort for it or by ignoring the genuine needs of my fellow men- James 2:14-17
Do you just look out for yourself or your family? Are you generous with your time, money, friendships? Yes, we must take care of ourselves, but we need to hold to the truth that God will also take care of our needs, so we should remember it's not only about us but others too.
I cannot say FORGIVE US OUR DEBTS AS WE FORGIVE OUR DEBTORS if I continue to harbor a grudge against someone- Leviticus 19:18
The Bible is clear, the Lord can't forgive us if we are holding back forgiveness to others- Mark 11:25. Who are you angry with? Who has hurt you and you haven't forgiven? Even if it just begins in your heart, find forgiveness, and forgive.
I cannot say LEAD US NOT INTO TEMPTATION if I deliberately choose to remain in a situation where I'm likely to be tempted- 2 Timothy 2:22
We all have our rabbit holes, things we may enjoy that keep our focus off Jesus. We are human, we will fall, we will be tempted. But if that temptation always gets repeated, we must learn to walk away permanently so we are not led astray again and again. Turn to God and let the Holy Spirit change you.
I cannot say DELIVER US FROM EVIL if I'm not prepared to fight in the spiritual battle with the weapon of prayer- Ephesians 6:11-12
God promises to lead the battle; He even promises us defeat. He fights alongside us and with Him we will overcome. In order to do that, we must trust the power of prayer, trust God's word and have faith, we will overcome.
I cannot say THINE IS THE KINGDOM if I do not give the King the disciplined obedience of a loyal subject- Isaiah 1:19
As adults why should we obey like children? We are still God's children, right? You obey (hopefully for the most part) the rules of this government, your state, and so forth. God's Kingdom is greater than this life and as obedient children He has promised us far greater than we have now. We obey out of love for our Creator, Savior, and King.
I cannot say THINE IS THE POWER if I fear what my neighbors do or say to me- Deuteronomy 31:8
If God is for us who can be against us? God has all the power, and He is using His power to protect us in this sinful world. Live your life trusting God is by your side no matter what man may do. This world will be gone in the blink of an eye, and we’ll be with God in Heaven before we know it. Trust that He has a plan for you, and He will keep you in His care.
I cannot say THINE IS THE GLORY if I am seeking my own glory first- 1 Corinthians 10:31
All you have, all you are, is because God created you. He chose you for a purpose and to do His will. Your blessings, your talents, your character is because God has given them to you to glorify Him. Remember pride causes one to fall. Every day, thank and praise God, give Him all the glory and your reward will be in Heaven. Here on earth be God's vessel of light so others can be led to Him.
I cannot say FOREVER if I am anxious about each day's events- Matthew 6:25-34
Trust God to take care of things. Wake up, go about your day and know that no matter what, God's got this.
I cannot say AMEN if I don't honestly say “Cost what it may, this is my prayer” -Micah 6:8
This is truly the hardest thing to say, ‘come what may I trust you God’. But God is love, we are His family. When you put your complete faith in Him and walk in His ways, even in the bad times, good will come your way.
I know that was a lot, I felt it too as I wrote it. But, when Jesus gave us the Lord's Prayer, it wasn't meant to just be a prayer you memorized and quote as you pray. The Lord's Prayer is meant to be lived. It is a statement of faith, a call to worship, a battle cry. When you pray this prayer you're asking for divine glory, social renewal, and a Heaven on earth transformation. The Lord's Prayer isn't just pretty fluff words, it's a prayer to ask God to embrace us and to come live in our lives and hearts as holy people not a worldly person.
There is still more we can explore about the Lord's Prayer, breaking it down line by line and the meaning behind it all. I'm sure you've done your own studies or have heard many different ones. Maybe one day we'll explore that more. For now, I wanted my readers to see the Lord's Prayer in a different way. Ask themselves ‘am I just saying the prayer or has Jesus been infused in my heart and am I living the Lord's prayer?’
Talking to Jesus is a privilege, a door He opened on the cross. When we come to Him to have the heavenly dialogue, it's not just to mumble a few words, ask for a few things, and maybe share a little. It's a time to speak to the King of the universe, our Savior, our Creator. It's a time to open our hearts and minds to allow Jesus to renew us, help us grow, and prepare us for Heaven. But, if in our hearts or how we live doesn't reflect the holiness of God then our prayers become vain empty words, much like the leaders in Jesus’ time.
As you read this, my prayer is that you are honest with yourself and admit your shortcomings; myself included, and renew your prayers with Jesus that fully reflect Him in your daily life. May God continue to bless you in all that you do.
Studying the Bible and talking to God, or prayer, are two interconnected practices that can deepen your faith and understanding of God's word and His character. The benefits are Spiritual Growth: Studying the Bible helps you grow in your faith and understanding of God. God-Consciousness: Regular study of the Bible can help you to be more aware of God's presence in your life. Wisdom and Guidance: The Bible offers wisdom and guidance for living a fulfilling life. Through Bible study and prayer we can find a closer relationship with God. Strengthen our relationship with God. Find peace and comfort, especially in times of difficulty. And find guidance and direction. Today let's continue our study of Jesus and His I am statements with lesson 6.
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