What we call the Lord’s prayer was actually a lesson in how to pray that Jesus taught his disciples. The ynoticed that he was a man of prayer that produced results and wanted to be able to tap into that same anointing. Jesus sat them down and showed them the protocol of addressing the Father. It really is an outline of of what should be included in prayer.
Our Father which art in heaven… The first two words “OUR FATHER” should have stopped all prejudices at an instant. If we belong to Christ, we are children of the most high God and he is not a respecter of persons. He is OUR FATHER.
Hallowed be thy name… His name is to be revered, sanctified, set apart. He is not like any other and deserves a place set apart only for him, at the center of our hearts.
Thy kingdom come, thy will be done… This was not a call for the end of the world and the rapture so Jesus’ Kingdom on earth could be set up. The kingdom coming is his will being done on earth as it is in heaven. What is his will? It can be traced backed to Genesis (the book of beginnings) chapter 1 verse 26-28. God gave man dominion and ruler-ship over the planet. He was to rule the earth, just like God ruled heaven. He was a”god” in the earth.
Give us this day our daily bread… This addresses daily provision for our every need.
Forgive us our debts (trespasses) … When we pray this we are asking God to forgive us the same way we forgive others! Are you quick to forgive or do you carry a grudge?
…deliver us from evil… God always with every temptation provides a way of escape. because we are in the world, we are subject to the temptations and wiles of our adversary, Satan. Our fellowship with God and study of his word will equip us to thwart the enemy’s attempts to get us off track.
For thine is the Kingdom, and the power… Satan’s influence is only temporary. He has some power, but not all power. Since we were created ion the image of God himself, we have the “stuff” in us to access the almighty power. His power, no foe can withstand. Amen.
© Fredrick F. Nicholson all rights reserved
