The Prayer That Changes Me - Part 2

In the first post on "The Prayer That Changes Me," I shared that the life goal of Christians should be pleasing God in everything we do.  Dr. John Barnett, our conference speaker, systematically took us through the Lord's prayer as a pathway to pleasing the Lord. Our prayer life is a reflection of how much we think we need him and desire to please him. 

Matthew 6:9: Jesus said, "In this manner, therefore, pray:  'Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name."  Ask God to focus us on who he is.  Take time to prayerfully acknowledge him as the Sovereign Ruler of the universe, our Creator, the only one who is all-powerful, all-knowing, ever-present, completely just, holy, righteous, loving, and the list goes on.  Spend time dwelling on his character.

Matthew 6:10a:  "Your kingdom come."  Ask the Lord to control us because he has a plan for our lives.  He is on his throne as Ruler over His kingdom.  Picture the throne room described in the book of Revelation where all creatures are oriented to the throne.  Acknowledge that we are not on the throne. 

Mathew 6:10b:  "Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven."  Request that God lead us to do his will in our lives, as we are surrender our own wills and demands. 

Matthew 6:11:  "Give us this day our daily bread."  Ask the Lord to supply our needs, so that we can see his hand of provision for our physical needs on a daily basis.  

Matthew 6:12:  "And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors."   Pray that the Lord will cleanse us, so we can keep his blessing on our lives.  We cannot claim God's blessing of forgiveness if we do not forgive others.


Matthew 6:13a:  "And do not lead us into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one."  Ask the Lord to protect us, so that we do not lose sight of his power in our lives.  In the midst of trials and the temptations of the evil one, we have confidence that the Lord will see us through.

Matthew 13:b:  "For yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever.  Amen."  Pray that God will empty us so he receive all the glory and credit for our lives.  He alone is worthy to receive the praise.