Model Prayer

 3/3/2022

In the coming days,  I am going to put forth some Bible verses to help us meditate on prayer. Prayer is, of course, communication between us and God. It is the way we confess, petition, and praise Him. It is also the way we listen, seek guidance, gain comfort, and follow His path for our lives. I offer tonight our most profound model of prayer; it is the one our Savor spoke when He was teaching His disciples how to pray. It is found in Matthew 6:9-13. 

Our Father, who art in heaven,
hallowed be thy name;
thy kingdom come;
thy will be done;
on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread.
And forgive us our trespasses,
as we forgive those who trespass against us.
And lead us not into temptation;
but deliver us from evil.
For thine is the kingdom,
the power and the glory,
for ever and ever.
Amen.

My own meditation on the Lord's Prayer leads me to these areas that I need to incorporate in my quiet time with  God. 

• Honor God's Holy name with reverence
• Pray for His will
• Ask for life's needs (not wants)
• Repent and ask for forgiveness 
• Extend forgiveness to others
• Guard our hearts, minds, and actions from sin
• Protection from the evil one
• Praise
• Praise
• Praise

There are many other verses that I will share about prayer, as the Bible has much to say on the topic. Prayer is referenced hundreds of times, so it must be a critical part of our Christian walk and our relationship with Jesus. I have heard many people (even pastors) admit to finding it difficult to have devoted daily prayer time. I know this has been true for me in the past as well, but if I approach prayer as a daily talk with my very best friend, then I cannot wait for those moments to happen. I can share my burdens, fears, and joys with my Savior at any point of the day, and I do not need to schedule a time or make an appointment to do so. He is always there waiting for me, and I am forever grateful.