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Wednesday, March 11, 2009
Model Prayer
"So when you pray, you should pray like this: 'Our Father in
heaven, we pray that your name will always be kept holy. We
pray that your kingdom will come, and that the things you
want will be done here on earth, the same as in heaven. Give
us the food we need for each day. Forgive the sins we have
done, the same as we have forgiven the people that did wrong
to us. Don't let us be tempted (tested); but save us from the
Evil One (the devil).'"
-- Matthew 6:9-13 (ERV)
KEY THOUGHT:
Much has been written about Jesus' model prayer. Rather than something
to be blindly recited, this is a short guide for disciples on how to
pray. The prayer easily divides into two parts: first, we recognize the
inestimable greatness of God, and then we recognize our dependency upon
him. As the previous verses indicate, God is our Father whom we can
approach freely as Father, while at the same time revering his
holiness. The first three petitions ask God to accomplish his ultimate
will in our world and reveal his holy purposes to all people. The
second three acknowledge our need for sustenance, forgiveness, and
strength to face the rigors of daily spiritual and physical life.
Bottom line: prayer doesn't need to be eloquent, but reverent of God,
penitent before God, and dependent upon God while approaching him with
confidence as his children.
TODAY'S PRAYER:
Holy and tender Father, I pray that you exert your power in our world
and work your will in irrefutable and glorious ways. I trust you to
fill my daily needs as I depend upon your mercy and grace to forgive me
and empower me to forgive. May my life be used in your service to
accomplish your will. In the name of Jesus I pray. Amen.
>> NEW: Phil's What Jesus Did devotional is now
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>> The WJD! web page has related scriptures and the
>> full text of today's key passage. Read it at:
http://www.heartlight.org/wjd/matthew/0311-wjd.html
>> For further study of today's passage, use our
>> online Bible study site: SearchGodsWord.org!
http://www.SearchGodsWord.org/desk/?query=Matthew+6:9-13&sr=1&t=erv
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