Learning From the Model Prayer.... Part 2

Mathew 6:9-13: After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.  Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as [it is] in heaven.  Give us this day our daily bread.  And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.  And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever.  Amen.

For today we will continue to look at and learn from “the Lord’s prayer.” As pointed out in the last post this prayer is an example of how we should pray.  As a reminder, first we go before God acknowledging our relationship with Him.  We then recognize his worth by giving Him worship and honor.  We then move forward to ask that His rule and will take precedence here on earth as it does in heaven.
It is only then that we present our needs to God- Give us this day our daily bread.  This is a request to have our basic physical need satisfied.  It should be noted that our physical well-being is important to our spiritual well-being. After attending to our spiritual being it is now time to take care of our physical being. So many times we do the opposite, where food takes first place to our spiritual need. This statement also teaches that we should not worry about having enough to hoard but instead, to trust God to provide for us on a daily basis.  This can be anxiety provoking for those of us who like to worry or who trust in our ability to provide for what we need.  This also points out that we are not just asking for my or your bread but for our bread, which shows consideration for others.  Bread is nothing extravagant or superfluous, but it is however sustaining and filling.

Phil. 4:6 tells us- Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.

Luke 12:27 reminds us- "Consider how the lilies grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you, not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these.

And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.  Other translations use transgressions or trespasses instead of debts.  When we say these words we are asking God to forgive us as we forgive those who have transgressed, wronged us or owes us.  How well do you forgive those who have wronged you or who owe you something?  The standard for us being forgiven is similar to the standard we set when we forgive.  Having said that we should not forgive others just because we want forgiveness ourselves, but we forgive because this is the right thing to do as Christians -Forgiveness should involve the heart.  Forgiveness is liberating for both you and the person you forgive. 

Please stay tuned for the conclusion next week.

In His Service,

Vilma