Praying ,Praying,Praying

We are told to pray and Jesus taught the disciples how to when they asked in what manner they should pray. This is famously known as the Lord's prayer. Looking at it one is struck with how basic but profound it is. Its simplicity marks its beauty . It touches on what we should strive for when we pray.

1.That God's name would be revered and glorified . In all the triune majesty of the Godhead . May the name of our Lord be hallowed .
2.That the kingdom would come . How? By the preaching of Jesus and people repenting ,believing. That the Church reflect that the kingdom reign of Jesus is being manifested among the world and will be made complete when Jesus returns to establish the kingdom forever.
3. That God's will would be done on earth as it is in heaven. This speaks of His revealed will that is pleasing to God as given to us in the word of God. As Christians we should delight it God's law and seek to obey the commands of our Lord . Not that they save us but show a world we are different . Love one another, show mercy,compassion .
4. That our basic needs to met. Ultimately all out blessings are in Christ but here Jesus tells us to ask for daily bread,food for  life. Bread was a daily staple of life , needed to live and at this time. Most lived day to day .So the urgency and need for food was a concern .
5.Forgive our sins . We should live a pilgrims life of repentance and faith. Trusting in the completed work of Christ , knowing He is making intercession for us and clothing us with His righteousness. To acknowledge we are sinners in need of the great Redeemer.
6.To show forgiveness toward others. To understand our own sin , need of grace and forgiveness the result should be a heart overflowing with forgiveness and mercy towards others.
7.To lead us not into temptation. Although God will not deliberately lead us into sin , He will allow a time of testing or hardship to discipline or shape us. But we can ask to be spared .
8. Cry to God to deliver us from evil. When confronted by evil , be it  in the struggle within with the old man , external with the world or Satan , we are to call on God to deliver us . The Holy Spirit that indwells every believer is ever present in our time  of need . Run to God , get on ones knees and call out to Jesus . His promises are sure , that He will not leave us nor forsake us.

So just a few thought concerning the Lord's prayer. It is a great place to start . What a privilege and blessing it is to pray to God.

Our Father in heaven,

hallowed be your name.

Your kingdom come,

your will be done,

on earth as it is in heaven.

Give us this day our daily bread,

and forgive us our debts,

as we also have forgiven our debtors.

And lead us not into temptation,

but deliver us from evil."