Use the Model
December 7, 2020
In my daily bible reading recently, I came across the Lord’s Prayer in Matthew 6:9-13. Over the years, I must have prayed this prayer over a thousand times, since I first learned it at the age of seven. But then I re-read the preamble verses (7 and 8) and it stopped me in my mental tracks. It appears that it was not Jesus’ intent that I memorize verses 9 through 13 and repeat this exact prayer word for word, over and over again for my whole life.
7 And when you pray, do not heap up phrases (multiply words, repeating the same ones over and over) as the Gentiles do, for they think they will be heard for their much speaking. 8 Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask Him.
I am not suggesting that it is wrong to memorize the Lord’s Prayer and say it often. I am suggesting that you shouldn’t stop there. Jesus says at the very beginning of verse 9:
In this manner, therefore, pray: (NKJV)
Pray, therefore, like this: (AMPC)
After this manner therefore pray ye: (KJV)
Pray then like this: (RSVCE)
No bible translation says “Pray exactly like this, using these exact words.” In fact, Jesus is saying just the opposite. Don’t heap up empty phrases! I have to admit, my recitation of the Lord’s Prayer was, during many seasons of my life, a heap of empty phrases repeated over and over again. This may be why the Lord’s Prayer, and the rest of my prayer life, was as dry at the Mojave Desert!
The Lord’s Prayer is actually Jesus giving his disciples a PATTERN or MODEL to use in their prayer life. God already knows what you need (verse 8). He seeks a relationship with you and wants to hear from you in your own words. I am going to challenge you this Advent season to get personal with the Lord’s Prayer. Use it as a model and create your own prayer of petition. Here are some suggestions:
9 Our Father in heaven, Hallowed be Your name. (Praise and honor God for who He is.)
10 Your kingdom come. (We are seeking You and Your way of doing things.)
Your will be done, On earth as it is in heaven. (According to the Bible, Your will on this issue is [fill in the blank] and I will believe Your Word and today I will act to bring about Your will in my daily life.)
11 Give us this day our daily bread. (Supply the resources needed to walk out Your purposes.)
12 And forgive us our debts, As we forgive our debtors. (Forgive my mistakes of the past. I lay down [fill in whatever you have against someone else] because it is weight that will hold me back.)
13 And do not lead us into temptation, But deliver us from the evil one. (Protect me from temptations that side track me and from any attacks of the devil.)
For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen. (Praise and thank God and call it a completed work.)
Julie’s prayer using the model of the Lord’s Prayer:
Father God, thank You for who You are and for everything that You have done for me. Thank You for the precious name of Jesus that I have been given permission to use to bring about Your will and purpose in my life and the life of my family members. It is Your stated will in Psalm 91 that because I have made the Lord, who is my refuge, even the Most High, my dwelling place that no evil shall befall me and my family and no plague shall come near our dwelling. Therefore, I declare that my family is protected from COVID-19. Related to this virus, we listen for Your wisdom and follow Your leading as we come in and as we go out. Bring us the provision we need to get through this situation, Lord – the groceries, the medicines, flexibility at work and at school. Grant us Your deep and abiding peace. Forgive me, Lord, for being impatient and unkind to those around me who are really just acting upon their fears. I release all the resentment I have against those that seem to be attacking me. I want to be the salt and light to the world around me, because that brings You glory. Protect me from the influence of the devil. I cover this family with the precious, saving, healing blood of Jesus. You are Holy and worthy to be praised. I know You have heard my prayer and I thank You for the answer in advance. Let it be done, in Jesus name. Amen.
Get personal with God! He loves it!
