Time to pray, are you ready?

In Matthew chapter 6 we see Jesus instructing his disciples on the proper way to pray. He tells them, “For your Father knows the things you have need of before you ask Him.” Then He says, “In this manner, therefore, pray:” He is instructing them to not be so repetitive! Then he gives them what we call “the Lord’s Prayer”.

This prayer actually includes everything we need and every time I pray it I can hear my dad singing it in my mind. I thought I would share the way I pray it with you, interested? Then read on…

Our Father in heaven,

 Hallowed be Your name.When I am praying this with my grandson I say “Holy is Your name” I’m not sure young people (or maybe a lot of people) know what “hallowed”even means.

Your kingdom come.

Your will be done   I am laying my will down and giving You control of my life.

On earth as it is in heaven.

Give us this day our daily bread.  I usually say, “Thank you for giving us this day…” because I know that He supplies all my need according to His riches in glory, right?

And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. This is the big one so I keep myself reminded that I need to have a forgiving heart  so I say, “Forgive us of our sins exactly like we forgive the people who have sinned against us.

And do not lead us into temptation, sometimes I think we need to say that line twice, right?

But deliver us from the evil one.

For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen

Jesus goes on to emphasize what He had already said about forgiveness… “For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.

If you want to pray and don’t know how or don’t know what to say, just pray the way Jesus taught His disciples!