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, 
for ever and ever. Amen.

Too Busy Not to Pray
 Bill Hybels

We pray because, by intuition or experience, we understand that the most intimate communion with God comes only through prayer.

Through prayer God gives us his peace, and that is one reason even self- sufficient people fall 
on their knees and pour out their hearts to him. But there is another reason.

People are drawn to prayer because they know that God’s power flows primarily to people who pray.

If you are willing to invite God to involve himself in your daily challenges,

you will experience his prevailing power- in your home, in your relationships, in the marketplace,

in the schools, in the church, wherever it is most needed.

That power may come in the form of wisdom- an idea you desperately need and can’t come up with yourself.

It may come in the form of courage greater than you could even muster.

It may come in the form of confidence or perseverance, uncommon staying power,

a changed attitude toward a spouse or a child or a parent, changed circumstances, maybe even outright miracles.

However it comes, God’s prevailing power is released in the lives of people who pray.

Jesus gave his disciples The Lord’s Prayer.
So many times I have found myself just saying the words, but not really thinking about them.

Next time- really think about how God has taught us to pray.

Our Father

 never forget that if you are God’s child through Jesus Christ,

you are praying to a father who couldn’t love you more than he already does.

Who art in heaven

 reminder that God is sovereign, majestic, omnipotent.

Nothing is too difficult for him. He is the mountain mover; he is bigger than any problem you could bring to him.

Fix your eyes on his ability, not on your worth.

Hallowed be thy name

 don’t let your prayers turn into a wish list for Santa Claus. Worship God and praise him when you come to join him in prayer.

Thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven

Submit your will to God’s. Put his will first in your life-

in your friendships, marriage, family, career, ministry, money, body, relationships, and church.

Give us this day, our daily bread 

 LISTEN for His VOICE.  Lay out all your concerns, whether big or small. If you need a miracle, ask for it without shrinking back.
Philippians 4:6- Paul wrote- “In everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God”

Forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors 

Be sure you’re not the obstacle: confess your sins, receive forgiveness and begin to grow. Live with a forgiving spirit toward others.

Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil 

Pray for protection from evil and victory over temptation.

For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory forever.

End your prayer with more worship. Acknowledge that everything in heaven and earth is God’s .

Thank the Lord for caring about you, for making it possible for you to talk to him through prayer.

Amen

Let it be so.