The Lords Prayer - Matthew 6 v 9 -15.

The Lords Prayer

by Brian Maunder -  Matthew 6 v 9 – 15

A Quick Note on Prayer. I have found that reading written prayers out loud, verbally, really helps cement my own commitment to the prayers I pray. I know that God is committed to prayer, but sometimes, (actually often) my own prayers are very whimsical and non-committal. I do not really want or believe or understand what I am praying for. Silent prayers may not actually even be prayers at all but only theological ponderings or day dreaming. Praying out loud helps counter this.  

“Our Father in Heaven,”Father, you are so close to me, my family and all my friends. You are near me in all I do, all I say and all I believe and think.  Even though I may not fully perceive this at times, your presence is real. You hear my prayers, regardless of my belief or unbelief, for you are closer than even the air I breathe. This is the reality.

“hallowed be your name”Father, I pray that I honour who you are, and I pray that those around me honour and respect you, and not slander your name, or use it in ways that dishonour your glory. I don’t like it when people spit your name as a curse or use your name as a manipulative device Lord.  May people realise how wonderful you are and honour you accordingly. 

“your kingdom come, your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.”Father I ask that your desire and heart, your will and influence permeates into my world the same way as you rule in the spiritual realms. Wherever I have the capacity to choose or exercise my own power of influence on earth, may it be in line with your will.  Lord there are many powers above me in society.  Institutions, laws, authorities and groups that I have to submit to or get along with, in order to exist and function. Some of these groups have a cultural standard of disobedience to your preferred way.  Father, may your rule come into effect in these places.  Break up those powers that may influence my life in ways that are contrary to your will. Even though you give all people free choice and respect people so much that you allow decisions and attitudes to go against your will, I pray that these bad behaviours don’t gather momentum within groups and become the cultural norms. Help me understand my role in this. May your plan and your way be the manner that earthly powers, authorities, groups and culture are governed.

“Give us today our daily bread.”Father, please give me what I need today to function and live. Give me what my physical needs require. The food and water, air and sunlight that my body needs for nourishment. The clothes and shelter along with everything else it needs to be healthy and safe.  Give me also what I need emotionally, relationally and intellectually.  Keep my soul intact and energised as I go about the day.  Father give me what I need spiritually to live on this sin weary planet.  May You guide and lead me, may your word strengthen me, and may your truth encourage me as I walk this day with you. May all my needs be met by you this day Lord.

“Forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors.”Father forgive me when I don’t do what’s best or what’s right.  Be patient and forgiving towards me.  You know and I know that I am still growing in many ways. I need your mercy and kindness to cover my faults.  Love me though my mistakes and shortcomings and through your forgiveness may I find cleanliness of heart towards you.  Lord I pray that I treat others the same way as you have treated me, not harbouring resentment or bitterness towards people that do wrong to me.  May I show the same kindness to others as you have shown to me, and love them in their weaknesses.  Give me the power to do this Lord.

“And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.”Father keep my paths pure.  Help me walk the right path, a way that does not deviate and turn towards wrong and evil things.  May my desires be fixed on you and not on selfish lusts, covetousness and indulgent and evil fantasies. May I not placidly and blindly follow the ways and influences of the world and media. Many of these things lead to destructive paths that ultimately destroy life and relationships. Eventually the systems of this world, trials, selfish desires or the evil one could destroy me if I am apathetic towards them. May my focus be on you Lord whilst mindful of the dangers around me.   And Father, if I am confronted or overwhelmed by trials or temptations, save me from them. Take me away and rescue me from things that I, in my own strength, cannot escape from. Steal me away from those things that oppose your goodness and truth. Keep me away from situations that cause me undue stress, hard times and pain.  These things can hinder my faith Lord if they come my way. I pray that you shelter me from circumstances that could crush my soul, injure my spirit, or hurt my body. Father, keep me safe Lord.  I am in your arms and in your care Father.

For yours is the kingdom, the power and authority, for ever and ever, Amen.And I am confident of your care Lord, with full assurance that you will keep me. I feel totally safe with you, for you are greater than all powers and authorities in the earth and all creation. Your kingdom reigns over all things.  Your power is limitless and your majesty is seen from the highest mountain to the deepest valley.  You will always be there Lord, loving and strengthening me, close by my side, closer than even the air I breathe.

Thankyou Lord that this is the real truth now, and it will always be like this for all time.  So be it.