This morning I was led to read in the book of Matthew the Lord’s Prayer. In fact, I have been led here a number of times as I am sure that most have. I was even reminded that God is OUR Father and not just mine.
“8Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him. 9Pray then like this:
‘Our Father in heaven,
hallowed be your name.
10Your kingdom come,
your will be done,
on earth as it is in heaven.
11Give us this day our daily bread,
12and forgive us our debts,
as we also have forgiven our debtors.
13And lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil.’”
— Matthew 6:8-13 (ESV)
Above is the example/model, from Jesus as to how to pray. I will admit that until a few months ago, when speaking of God, I would personalize Him to me, or if I did recognize Him as for all, it was more in and out of habit as opposed to doing so intentionally.
What changed, well it was a sermon series on the Lord’s Prayer that went verse by verse over a number of weeks. One of the sermons was on the first line or opening of “Our Father in Heaven”. You see, “Our” refers to the family of us with the same last name. We are all children of God. When praying to Him, I have to remember that I am not just praying to my heavenly Father, but to OUR heavenly Father.
I know, yes, there are those times when prayer is very personal and for me directly. I will pray for myself and God’s hand over me and around me. Even this morning I was praying for His watch over my reading of His Word and the work He has for me in this day. But, I opened my prayer by speaking to “Our Father” and not just mine. And then pivoted to mine praise and request.
I have to remember to be selfless with the LORD and pray to “Our Father” as He is not just my God, but the God and Father of us all.
What does your prayer to God resemble? Are you selfishly reaching out to your Father? What if you opened with speaking to “Our Father” and them pivoted to your praise and requests?
Trevor's Thoughts 