The last few weeks have been rough. Around the world, civil unrest persists, wars wage, fear abounds, and tempers flare. Within the US, senseless assassinations, brutal attacks, discomfort, and anger abound. In my own spheres, relational discord, misunderstandings, distrust, and hostility swirl. Many people feel overwhelmed, afraid, and confused. My heart feels heavy. What does prayer look like in turbulent days? It feels challenging to focus. I wonder with God how to be in these days.
I felt prompted to return to the prayer Jesus taught His disciples: The Lord’s Prayer.
“This, then, is how you should 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. And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.” (Matthew 6:9-13)
This prayer flows through my mind, heart, and lips multiple times a day, especially in these past few weeks. Praying with the words of Jesus connects me to the heart of God. I often break down each phrase as I pray it which helps slow my soul down and center myself on the Lord. Jesus’ words guide my own words and lead my soul to rest and release.
Our Father in heaven – This prayer is communal. We pray knowing we are connected with followers of Jesus near and far. We are not alone in our anguish, confusion, complaints, and requests. We pray not just for ourselves, but for others, in community with others. God is both personal as Father as well as otherworldly, above all things. He exists with perfect perspective. He takes in all and remains, without any limitation or lack. I find comfort to know that nothing escapes the gaze and attention of God.
hallowed be your name – God is holy. He is set apart. God is perfect. We must praise His name for the greatness of His glory. This prayer opens with praising God for His mighty majestic character. Do I approach God surrendering to His holiness? There is none like Him. He is worthy of my praise, honor, and allegiance. Let us praise His name!
your kingdom come – As Jesus stated, “the kingdom of heaven is near” (Matthew 4:17). God’s kingdom differs from the one in which we live. Jesus invites us to seek the kingdom of God first (Matthew 6:33). Because of Jesus, we yearn for God’s kingdom to rule and reign. How do I seek and live in God’s Kingdom today? In what ways do I live ready for the heavens to part and Jesus to return establishing His kingdom?
your will be done on earth as it is in heaven – The will of God isn’t out there somewhere, it is here, with us today. Just as God enacts His perfect will in heaven, He brings about His will today. May the earth become more like heaven as we live according to God’s ways. Do we live ruled by God? Could this space and time be God’s perfect plan for my growth and His glory? I confess my short sighted perspective and trust that God wills today in the inhabitants upon the earth. Can I look for His grandeur even when the heartaches of this world press upon me?
Give us today our daily bread – Again, communally, we ask for God’s provision. He is the source of all things. Let us look to the generosity of God to care for us today. Bread invites simplicity. I examine my needs and my wants. I ponder with God, what do I need today? I pray for myself and others to receive from God enough for the day. Taking care of our physical being impacts our spiritual being which leads me to thank God for being the source of all life, both present and eternal.
And forgive us our debts – Confession brings healing to the soul. The kindness of God leads to repentance (Romans 2:4). He is so good. I find it meaningful to reflect and notice with God, which often leads to confession when I chose my own way rather than the way of Jesus. God faithfully forgives our sin and cleanses us (1 John 1:9). Confession and repentance bring release from those things that bind me to the earth and the way of the world.
as we also have forgiven our debtors – In this prayer, Jesus emphasized the essential movement of forgiving others. We, who experience the forgiveness of God for our sins, must practice the same attitude and action towards those who hurt, offend, and wrong us. When we forgive others, we exhibit the gracious heart of God and free ourselves from the shackles of bitterness and resentment. I ponder with God, who do I need to forgive? Am I harboring unforgiveness anywhere within my soul?
And lead us not into temptation – Because we receive God’s forgiveness, we seek freedom from the sins that held us. We are vulnerable to the weak parts of our character. We pray for strength against the lies and lures of the enemy. While God does not tempt us to sin, He is the One to help us overcome the temptations and testing within our path. I pray for a clear mind and heart in order to not become trapped by sinful behaviors and attitudes.
but deliver us from the evil one – God delivered us from the evil one through the victory of the resurrection of Jesus. While God covers us for eternity with His saving power, each day we encounter the work of the evil one in the world. I pray for protection from the schemes of the enemy for myself and others. I seek the resurrection power of God for deliverance throughout the day. God is the keeper of our souls and He provides both protection from and a pathway through hardship (Psalm 121).
For Yours is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory forever – This conclusion echoes David’s doxology in 1 Chronicles 29:11. As I pray these words, I experience release and relief. The kingdom of God reigns: God is King. The power of God rules: God is sovereign. The glory of God emanates for all eternity: God is Faithful and True. This declaration gives me proper perspective, leading me to praise the Lord. My focus shifts from the things of this world to the grandeur of God. I rest from the heaviness upon my soul and trust God.
Amen – May it be so. We complete our prayer with the assurance that God hears our pleas. The word amen concludes my desires as I relate them with God. I liken “amen” to a deep sigh: a sign of surrender, peace, and trust. Amen invites me to hand over to God the stirrings of my soul. I entrust my heart to God and know that in His love, He tends to the pleas flowing from within me.
I notice that as I finish reflecting on the ways I pray the Lord’s Prayer, my soul rests in deeper peace with God. I hope you experience God’s peace as well. When Jesus taught His disciples this prayer centuries ago, He intended it to guide us today. When life feels out of control, overwhelming, and frightening, returning to the simplicity and power of the Lord’s Prayer guides us back to the heart of God.
This week – – –
Reflect. What has the practice of prayer been like for you over the past few weeks? In what ways do you talk with God about life? How might praying the Lord’s Prayer offer solace and strength to the stirrings of your soul? Pray the Lord’s Prayer slowly, with intention upon each phrase. Experience rest and release with God.
Request. Praise God that His kingdom is near. Ask God to fill you with trust to praise Him when life seems confusing. Thank God for His power and might. Cry out to God to strengthen you with hope in His goodness. Give glory to God, for He is holy, just, and kind. Seek to glorify God in the ways you live. Amen, may it be so.
Receive. Let yourself rest in the presence of God. Receive His tender attention to your soul. Take a moment to be with God and take in His generous love to the weak and vulnerable parts of your being. Open your hands and your heart to be filled up by God. Receive the reality of Paul’s words: I pray that out of His glorious riches He may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God. Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen. (Ephesians 3:16-21)
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Drips from the Word: Muse about these Bible verses. Let these truths impact your living.
Matthew 6:7-8 – And when you pray, do not keep on babbling like pagans, for they think they will be heard because of their many words. Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him.
Psalm 121:1-2 – I lift up my eyes to the mountains — where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth.
Splashes from the Spigot: Drink from deep wells. Read these recommended books to fill your soul.
R. Albert Mohler Jr. The Prayer That Turns the World Upside Down: The Lord’s Prayer as a Manifesto for Revolution. Colorado Springs, CO. 2019.
Justin McRoberts and Scott Erickson. May It Be So: Forty Days with the Lord’s Prayer. Colorado Springs, CO 2019.
Sprinklings of Truth: Soak in meaningful songs. Check out these music videos to lift up your spirit.
Matt Mahar. The Lord’s Prayer (It’s Yours). Click here to watch & listen.
Citizen Way. The Lord’s Prayer. Click here to watch and listen.
Puddles for Prayer: Thank you for praying for upcoming travel and speaking engagements.
October 16-18 – Allenspark, CO – Women’s Retreat for St. Patrick’s Presbyterian Church
November 8-12 – Quarryville, PA – Breathe Deeply Soul Care Encounter (click here for more information)