The Lord’s Pray-er

Joint post from me and Glen…

There are many things the Lord’s prayer reminds us about God.

He is our Father.

He reigns supreme.

His goodness and beauty are unparalleled.

He is bringing his wonderful reign to earth.

He is a kind and consistent provider.

He is full of mercy and compassion.

He longs to direct me into freedom and fullness.

These are massive truths to grasp and hang onto. But let’s look at the other side of the relationship. What does the Lord’s prayer assume about the person praying it?

I am a child.

I am not in charge.

I am desperate for true goodness and beauty.

I have no agenda of my own.

I am completely dependent.

I am aware of my sin.

I am completely confident of God’s mercy.

I am merciful to those around me.

I am a follower.

I hate sin, temptation and the Evil One.

Every day, I hide in the Lord and look to His deliverance.

When I read the Lord’s pray-er, I think…

1) I want to be this person.

2) Jesus has made me this person (John 16:23-27). If I have trusted in Him, He clothes me in his own righteousness and brings me into His own relationship with the Father.  “In Jesus’ name” I can boldly pray this prayer – and pray as this pray-er.

3) Prayer means resting in Jesus as I enjoy His relationship with the Father. As I pray, I settle more and more into the reality of who God is and who I am.

So this year, we are bold to 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 sins,
As we forgive those who sin against us.
Lead us not into temptation,
But deliver us from the evil one.
For the kingdom, the power and the glory are yours, now and forever,
Amen.