The Lord’s Prayer: Making it Your Own
It has been a battlefield of the mind this week! My wants, desires, longings all at the helm making me about to crawl out of my skin. Yet, God has said “Wait.” I do not understand his timing, but I know if these desires clawing at me are to be effective, being obedient is what I need to do. But how do I pray for that? How do I get my heart to want to pray for that?
Show and Pray
Some of us may remember the fun activity in school of show and tell. You brought something to school to show to the class and told all about it. Today, it feels like God is asking me to show my obedience, not by telling, but by praying.
Yesterday, I was trying to navigate emotion and surrender all, but it was so hard! The Holy Spirit reminded me of the Lord’s prayer and allowed me to make it my own. Through this experience my heart posture was able to shift. It was also able to calm me and remind me that the Lord hears me and knows every part of me. He is not a God of the sidelines. He is active and moving even if the movement is to hold me.
Implementing the Lord’s Prayer
Most of us are familiar with the Lord’s prayer, but it is written below to help guide us.
This, then, is how you should pray:
“‘Our Father in heaven,
hallowed be your name,
10 your kingdom come,
your will be done,
on earth as it is in heaven.
11 Give us today our daily bread.
12 And forgive us our debts,
as we also have forgiven our debtors.
13 And lead us not into temptation,[a]
but deliver us from the evil one.[b]’
Matthew 6:9-13
As I studied the Lord’s prayer, the Holy Spirit brought insight and guidance in truly understanding the components of the Lord’s prayer.
For instance, “This, then, is how you should pray” conveys continuous action. Prayer is not a “one and done.” Our prayers should always be on our lips ready to be spoken. Sometimes these prayers are of praise and sometimes petitions. Either way, they are heard and honored.
Secondly, addressing/acknowledging God: “Our Father in heaven, hallowed by your name” conveys emphasis. It is an acknowledment to God as well as displays honer and respect to God. Moreover, “your name” proclaims God’s character and making his name known on earth.
Within verse 10, we recognize God’s control of earth as in heaven. There is nothing that happens here of which he is not aware. Following verse 10, verse 11 begins this request: “Give us this day our daily bread.” The term daily bread can be viewed both literally and metaphorically. Literally, it is food, meeting our physical needs. However, metaphorically, it can be the Word of God or represent God’s provision for all needs.
Verse 12 leads us to a hard practice: forgiveness. “Forgiving our debts” can be an idiom for sins; however, it does encompass anything that goes against God. The second portion of this verse calls us to emulating God’s actions. Our actions toward others should reflect our personal relationship with Christ (told you this one wasn’t easy!).
Lastly, verse 13 reminds us that God does not test to destroy, but to strengthen and protect us. He will not lead us to the enemy, but protects us from him. Moreover, the final portion “but deliver us from the evil one” is both a request to literally protect us from the enemy as well as from any evil thing, thought, or act.
Personal Prayer
Taking all of this, I crafted my own “Lord’s Prayer.” This is not sinful or defamation. It was guided by the Holy Spirit and modeled how Jesus told us to pray. I share my prayer, not for any other reason, but to model for you to be able to do as well. God calls us to come boldly before his throne, and He willingly listens and holds all our sorrows and rejoices with us in moments of rejoicing. As you read my prayer, be considering your own.
Prayer:
Father, you are holy, holy, holy, Lord, God almighty. (Acknowledgment/Addressing God)
I recognize that you have all control. You know my coming in and my going out (Psalm 139); nothing is hidden from you. Your will is to be done here as it is in heaven. (Recognition of God and his power)
Today I ask for daily bread of truth, hope, peace, and calm. I long so much to write about the truth of your word and share with others hope and healing of which they have been robbed due to others misuses of your name and authority. I long to write a book, not for fame, but for others to have language for their pain and opportunity for healing. (Request of “daily bread” - for me, I chose a metaphorical form)
Forgive me Lord when I try to take control of what is yours or become so enamored with the desire that it becomes an idol. May I continually lay this desire at your feet. (The act of forgiveness)
Lord, cover me in your armor, hide me in the shadow of your wings, that I do not fall into temptation of becoming so focused on the future, my desires, that they consume me. May you, your will, seeking first your kingdom always be focus, my desire. (Protection)
When I begin to act outside of that, help to know that within my spirit and deliver me from the evil that will still my joy, peace, hope, and truth. May I always remember that I serve a holy God who, at just the right time, will deliver the desires of my heart to fruition. (More protection and guidance)
Thank you, Lord, for all that you are and all your glory! Amen.
Final Thoughts
Releasing control and surrendering to God is so hard for me. It requires a lot of strength to let go! While this is how the Holy Spirit led me in my Lord’s Prayer, he may lead you differently. One of the reuqirements to prayer is simply to start. God is not looking for perfection or the best words; he is simply looking for us: our hearts to be before him. He longs for the brokenhearted to come so that He, “may save those who are crushed in spirit” (Psalm 34:18).
Challenge:
The challenge is not a question today. I encourage you to write your own prayer. Practice what Jesus has already modeled for us. Let your heart be heard today.