The Lord’s Prayer

One of Jesus’ disciples comes to him and says, ‘Lord teach us to pray.’ Jesus replies with the prayer that has become known as The Lord’s Prayer:

Our Father who art in heaven,
hallowed be thy name.
Thy kingdom come.
Thy will be done
on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread,
and forgive us our trespasses,
as we forgive those who trespass against us,
and lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil.
For thine is the kingdom and the power, and the glory,
forever and ever.

Amen.

Many books have been written and sermons have been preached on this by folks much more able than me. Here are eight random thoughts that are with me this morning while reflecting on Jesus’ words:

At a time when we are thinking about New Year’s Resolutions, those things that would make our lives better, resolving to be better at praying is something that many of Jesus’ followers would aspire to.

Jesus disciples’ request ‘Lord teach us to pray’, acknowledges that help is required if we are to learn to pray more effectively. It comes through God’s teaching and enabling.

Prayer is a mixture of different ingredients… there’s reflection, confession, requests, worship… at times one aspect my take priority, but balance is also required

It’s appropriate for all occasions, all parts of life: …happy or sad, alone or together, success or failure, angry or content, anxious or relaxed… There is no aspect of life for which prayer is not appropriate.

Prayer is God centred. It’s not about my needs, desires or priorities. It’s about God’s holiness, God’s character, God’s will, God’s forgiveness, God’s provision, God’s glory…

It starts with God the Father and finishes with God the King. It’s about a God of loving compassion who cares about the intimate details of my individual life; it’s about a God who has infinite power.

Prayer is listening. As I pray this prayer this morning I’m reminded that prayer may be about me telling God what I think; more importantly it’s about listening to discern what he may be thinking…

Prayer is about change. I used to think it’s about me changing God’s mind, doing what I was asking for; now I think it’s more about me being changed…