God's Word Among Us - The Lord's Prayer

And when you pray, do not be like the hypocrites, for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the street corners to be seen by men. I tell you the truth, they have received their reward in full.

But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.

And when you pray, do not keep on babbling like pagans, for they think they will be heard because of their many words. Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him.

 "This, then, is how you should pray: 
      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. 
      Forgive us our debts,
      as we also have forgiven our debtors. 
      And lead us not into temptation,
      but deliver us from the evil one.

For if you forgive men when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins. [Matthew Chapter 6: 5 - 13] 

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It's amazing, in fact, that the whole of the spriritual life - and the whole gospel message - is contained in a prayer so simple that anyone can learn it.  So let's slow down today and ponder how Jesus' words here describe our life in the Spirit and tell us how best to live.

Father, hallowed be your name.
Incredible:  Jesus' Father is our Father as well.  We are his beloved children, made in his image!  Plus, he's no ordinary Father.  He is holy, perfect and majestic. And this perfect Father wants you to know his love and presence!

Your kingdom come.
We honor our Father when his kingdom is made manifest in our lives.  By living and spreading the good news of his message of love and redemption, God's reign expands on earth - and we're the ones he has invited to do it!

Give us each day our daily bread.
Jesus reminds us of our utter dependence on the Father, because only he can provide the nourishment and strength we need to live each day according to his will.  He provides food for our bodies, as well as for our spirits and souls.

And forgive us our sins, for we ourselves forgive everyone in debt to us.
Our Father is slow to anger and quick to forgive.  But remember that we receive God's mercy only to the degree to which we have mercy on other people.  So let's try our best to be merciful, even as our Father is merciful (Luke 6:36)

And do not put us to the test.
Temptation is a normal part of our lives.  But our Father is bigger than any test we may face.  He is always ready to protect us and strengthen us.

Take this simple, beautiful prayer with you wherever you go.  Let these words become your source of strength and trust. 

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