Our Father

Our Father

“…therefore, pray … Our Father in heaven …” Matthew 6: 9 Here’s how Jesus taught us to pray: 1) Our Father in heaven. When you say “Father,” you acknowledge that you’re part of God’s family and have a special relationship with Him. This relationship entitles you to approach Him anytime, confident that you are loved, welcomed, and assured of His favor. When you say “in heaven,” you recognize that you are drawing from the highest source of goodness, grace, mercy, provision, protection, and authority. What a privilege! 2) Hallowed be Your Name. This should always be foremost in your mind: “Whatever I do today, Lord, let it honor You.” Your life should inspire others to want to know the One you serve. 3) Your Kingdom come. Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Every time you choose to say no to yourself and yes to God’s will, you demonstrate what it means to live as a citizen of His kingdom. Note the words “as it is in heaven.” Is anyone in heaven fearful or doubting? Stubborn or disobedient? Critical or negative? When the enemy brings something to your door that’s contrary to God’s will, you have the authority to rise up and say, “If it’s not approved in heaven, it has no place in my life here on earth.” When it comes to disobedience, refuse to accept the package and sign the receipt. The one thing Satan hopes you never discover is that you have the God-given authority to restrict his movements in your life. 4) Give us this day our daily bread. Matthew 6:11 Jesus taught us to pray, “Give us this day our daily bread.” Notice the word “daily.” You can’t fight today’s battles on the strength of yesterday’s bread; you must have a fresh supply. In the wilderness, God’s people were only permitted to collect enough manna for one day; if they collected more, it rotted. It’s wonderful to talk about what God did yesterday and what He’s going to do tomorrow, but all you’ve got is today. “Give us this day our daily bread.” Only as you partake of what God provides for you today will you be able to stand up to the challenges you face. This prayer is an expression of faith. The very act of asking means you believe God has what you need and cares enough to provide it for you. It says, “I don’t need to go to anybody else but You, Lord.” So hang up the phone, turn off the TV, shut the doors, get down on your knees, approach God in faith, and pray, “Give me what I need for this day.” God knows what you need, even when you don’t. As you partake of what He provides for you each day, you’ll be able to handle whatever life throws at you. And remember, when people start getting on your nerves for no apparent reason, or you start having mood swings, or you begin living by feelings instead of faith, it’s probably because you’re not eating right! If that’s the case, it’s time to go back to your source and say, “Lord, I’ve come for my daily bread.” 5) Forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. Matthew 6:12 Let’s clear up some misconceptions about these words. Satan will try to convince you that you haven’t truly forgiven the person who wronged you. No, you can make the right decision and still have the wrong feelings. This is when you need faith to carry you through. You have done your part; now you are waiting for God to do His. God has the power to change your feelings toward the one who hurt you, and then your job is finished. You are instructed to “invoke blessings upon and pray for the happiness of those who curse you, implore God’s blessings (favor) upon those who abuse you” (Luke 6:28). You might say, “Bless them? Are you serious?” Yes, the word bless means to speak well of. You’re extending mercy to those who don’t deserve it. But isn’t that what God does for you? The truth is, you cannot truly forgive without the Holy Spirit’s help. So today, why don’t you pray, “Holy Spirit, breathe on me and give me strength. I forgive them for what they did. I release them from this debt and ask You to bless them. I turn the situation over to You. I trust You for my total restoration. Help me, Lord. Heal my heart, in Jesus’ name, amen.” Now, by faith, leave it all in Your Father’s hands, move forward, and anticipate His blessings. You won’t be disappointed. 6) Do not lead us into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one. Matthew 6:13 Jesus taught us to pray, “Do not lead us into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.” Satan knows your areas of weakness and will exploit them. But there’s good news. It’s your weaknesses, not your strengths, that draw you closer to God and make you lean on Him. Paul wrote, “I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may work through me” (2 Corinthians 12:9). This verse sounds contradictory. You want to be freed from your weaknesses, not boast about them. Paul gives you several reasons: 1) Your weakness prevents pride. Paul writes, “So I wouldn’t get a big head, I was given the gift of a handicap to keep me in constant touch with my limitations” (2 Corinthians 12:7). You’ll often find a weakness attached to strength, to keep you from becoming boastful or running ahead of God. Gideon chose 32,000 men to fight the Midianites, but God reduced them to 300 (Judges 7). Why? So that Israel would know it was God’s power, not their own, that saved them. 2) Your weakness creates fellowship. Your struggles show you how much you need the support of others. Vance Havner said Christians are frail, but when they stick together, they can stop traffic. 3) Your weakness enables you to help others. It’s the broken who become masters at mending. Your ministry can come out of your most painful experiences. The things you’re reluctant to share are often the things God will use to help others.