Monday's Blessing
Luke 11:1
"One day Jesus was praying in a certain place. When he finished, one of his disciples said to him, "Lord, teach us to pray, just as John taught his disciples."
There is something oddly comforting in organized prayer. Maybe it is those who went before us who touched him on a daily basis. Those who knew his most inner thoughts and were respondent to his every need. The fact of having his sheer presence invade their most intimate moments with such pleasure is un fathomable to us. To want to be with someone so badly to quench their inner soul is refreshing. Knowing that he taught them this prayer answers all soul searching prayer questions we could ever have.
We, on the other hand, have the onslaught of consistent chatter every waking moment in the day. There is little time to stop, quiet ourselves, and connect with our inner most being. Yet, we can preprogram this time in by utilizing the Lord's Prayer. The prayer that enhances our relationship with God our Father. The Father who explicitly watches over us with such love and patience even when we go astray.
There are moments in my life I feel the need to pray. At times, I may not have the right words as I am bludgeoned with life's expectations consistently. Yet, I want a quiet moment. Maybe it was that ambulance that just rolled by with some individual lying there despondent to the EMT's efforts. I just want to connect at that moment, and share a part of myself hoping things resolve themselves for that patient and family.
Here, and at other times, the Lord's prayer plays a special role in my spiritual life. There is something about the words that cause deep introspective contemplation and help me to imagine a real embrace with our heavenly Father. It allows a total look into my life, quenching my needs in just eight phrases. Each phrase is a trigger that helps me pray more deeply sorting out my own life and the lives of others.
As you read through the prayer, pause after each phrase and see what comes to your mind. Respond to God more deeply with these thoughts:
Our Father in heaven, (he is our loving father)
Hallowed be thy name. (God is almighty)
Thy kingdom come, thy will be done
On earth as it is in heaven. (turn your life over to him)
Give us this day our daily bread. (realize God will meet all your needs and your prayers right now)
Forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who have trespassed against us. (know you are forgiven as soon as you forgive others.)
Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. (ask for protection today)
For yours is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory forever. Amen. (know that God is awesome feel the light)
Luke 11:1
"One day Jesus was praying in a certain place. When he finished, one of his disciples said to him, "Lord, teach us to pray, just as John taught his disciples."
There is something oddly comforting in organized prayer. Maybe it is those who went before us who touched him on a daily basis. Those who knew his most inner thoughts and were respondent to his every need. The fact of having his sheer presence invade their most intimate moments with such pleasure is un fathomable to us. To want to be with someone so badly to quench their inner soul is refreshing. Knowing that he taught them this prayer answers all soul searching prayer questions we could ever have.
We, on the other hand, have the onslaught of consistent chatter every waking moment in the day. There is little time to stop, quiet ourselves, and connect with our inner most being. Yet, we can preprogram this time in by utilizing the Lord's Prayer. The prayer that enhances our relationship with God our Father. The Father who explicitly watches over us with such love and patience even when we go astray.
There are moments in my life I feel the need to pray. At times, I may not have the right words as I am bludgeoned with life's expectations consistently. Yet, I want a quiet moment. Maybe it was that ambulance that just rolled by with some individual lying there despondent to the EMT's efforts. I just want to connect at that moment, and share a part of myself hoping things resolve themselves for that patient and family.
Here, and at other times, the Lord's prayer plays a special role in my spiritual life. There is something about the words that cause deep introspective contemplation and help me to imagine a real embrace with our heavenly Father. It allows a total look into my life, quenching my needs in just eight phrases. Each phrase is a trigger that helps me pray more deeply sorting out my own life and the lives of others.
As you read through the prayer, pause after each phrase and see what comes to your mind. Respond to God more deeply with these thoughts:
Our Father in heaven, (he is our loving father)
Hallowed be thy name. (God is almighty)
Thy kingdom come, thy will be done
On earth as it is in heaven. (turn your life over to him)
Give us this day our daily bread. (realize God will meet all your needs and your prayers right now)
Forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who have trespassed against us. (know you are forgiven as soon as you forgive others.)
Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. (ask for protection today)
For yours is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory forever. Amen. (know that God is awesome feel the light)
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