We often recite the Lord’s Prayer in church or during a funeral or family meal, but when was the last time you really stopped to take in the richness of this prayer that Jesus taught His disciples to pray? Give yourself the gift today of sinking deep into these holy words taken from Matthew 6:9-13.
“Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name.”
Praise Him for being in Heaven. Your Heavenly Father is safe and secure. He is holy, and His name is above every other name.
“Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.”
In a billion ways, God is active and present all around the world. He is bringing beauty into brokenness, peace into chaos, good into darkness—right this very moment. Where is He doing that in your world? How do you need Him to work? Ask Him to reveal His will to you, and surrender your desire to be in control. Pray boldly for His direction in your life.
“Give us this day our daily bread.”
Where are you lacking? What space and emptiness and longings are inside of you that no one else but He can fill? Who is hungry around you, whether spiritually, physically, or emotionally?
“Forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors.”
Do you need to be rescued from sin today? What do you need to confess? Ask God for forgiveness. Is there anyone who has hurt you; sinned against you? Tell Him you want to be free from the bondage of unforgiveness.
“And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.”
What is holding you back from being who you were created to be? God already knows the answer, but bring it to light in your own words. Is there a situation or conversation that continues to loop in your thoughts? It’s not easy to admit these temptations that you hold close, so ask God for courage to stop the cycle.
“For yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.”
What word from this prayer has tugged on your heart? What do you need to do as a result of this time in prayer?
Today, respond by holding your hands cupped in front of you. Imagine your words of thanksgiving, trust, confession, and love as an offering to your Savior. A gift for Him, using the words He taught you to pray.
