The WORD today (see http://usccb.org/bible/readings/062013.cfm) gives us a guide we can use in praying.
There are people who do not know how to pray, aside from the formula prayers we memorize. Some do not know how to be personal in prayer, or if they are praying in a way God wants. Back in college, I learned a method to pray, based on the Lord’s Prayer. IT has helped me a lot in developing my relationship with God and in building my faith. However, for some reason, I was not able to follow this guide for the past years, until last week when I was reminded of it and I started to pray again using the structure. Sharing with you how we can use the Lord’s prayer in praying, some scriptural reference of each part of the prayer, and how we can personalize it.
Our Father who are in heaven, hollowed by thy name
So the LORD passed before him and proclaimed: The LORD, the LORD, a God gracious and merciful, slow to anger and abounding in love and fidelity, continuing his love for a thousand generations, and forgiving wickedness, rebellion, and sin; yet not declaring the guilty guiltless, but bringing punishment for their parents’ wickedness on children and children’s children to the third and fourth generation! (Exodus 34: 6-7 - http://www.usccb.org/bible/exodus/34)
è We remember our God. We remember what our God is like. We remember what God has done for us. We remember how blessed we are having such a great God. We are blessed that we can call him our God, our Father. We should be thankful and be full of awe as we pray, as we worship our God.
thy Kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven
But seek first the kingdom (of God) and his righteousness, and all these things will be given you besides (Matthew 6:33 - http://www.usccb.org/bible/matthew/6)
è Out of love for him, we pray that we would have the heart to seek and obey God’s will in our lives. We pray for faith, knowing that as we seek His will, he will bless us and give us the things that we need in this world, as we serve and glorify him with our lives. We also pray for others, that they also seek and obey God's will in their lives.
Give us this day our daily bread
so you might know that it is not by bread alone* that people live, but by all that comes forth from the mouth of the LORD. (Deuteronomy 8:3b – http://www.usccb.org/bible/deuteronomy/8)
è We pray for God daily to sustain us, not just physically, but more importantly, spiritually. We remember that in this life, we need more than just physical food. Yes, man does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes forth from the mouth of God. We need his word, we need to get to know him more, so we would be able to truly live, to truly serve and glorify Him.
And forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us
If we acknowledge our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive our sins and cleanse us from every wrongdoing. (1 John 1:9 - http://www.usccb.org/bible/1john/1)
è The gospel says we should forgive so we would be forgiven. We also pray for humility that we would recognize our sins. We are far from perfect, and we ask God for forgiveness. We humbly come to him for forgiveness. We have faith that as we do, God forgives us and cleanses us. We also pray for those who have sinned against us, that as we forgive them and as God changes us, they also welcome God and allow Him to change their lives.
And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil
No trial has come to you but what is human. God is faithful and will not let you be tried beyond your strength; but with the trial he will also provide a way out, so that you may be able to bear it. (1 Corinthians 10:13 - http://www.usccb.org/bible/1corinthians/10)
è In faith, we call on Him to save and protect us. We have faith that he will not give us what we can’t bear. We have faith that God will be with us as we fight our battles, as we win over the enemy. We also pray for others who are undergoing challenges, that they may remain faithful to God, and realize that God will always be with us as we become victorious in Him.
Father God,
Thank you for today. thank you for reminding me and teaching me how to pray. I pray that I make the most out of this, that I may personalize your prayer and use it to develop a more intimate relationship with God. Put in my heart a desire to know you more, to love you more, and to have more of you. May I always have that love for you, and may I always long for you and want more of you – and may it move me to prayer and to do my part. Amen.
Blessed day!
In Christ,
-g-
Ps
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