How to Pray & What to Pray for – What the Bible SaysSampel

A Fine Place to Start: The Lord’s Prayer

In these readings, we have tried to provide structure and motivation to help with your prayers. To be sure, the insights given are only a starting point; many books have been written on the subject of prayer, and so these readings are but an introduction.

Even so, it may be difficult to (re)start your prayer life. Therefore, in this last reading we turn to the prayer that Jesus taught His disciples, and us today as well: The Lord’s Prayer as found in Matthew 6:9-13.

“Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name”

Jesus stars with adoration, declaring that God is in heaven; that He is so holy even His name is hallowed. There is no other being, person or entity even close to the majesty of God. Starting with the right perspective is most important. 

Whether you pray these exact words or others, the first action is to recognize who God is – and what you are not. As you pray, reflect on each characteristic that comes to your mind for God, and then compare it to yourself. With each comparison, praise God for who He is, and thank Him that He has made you in His image – to glorify Him!

“Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.”

Next, Jesus prays for God’s Kingdom to come, not for any earthly success other than fulfilling God’s will. Jesus’ teaching on prayer is not to be centered on your ministry or life, but on God’s will and His Kingdom. 

As you pray, remind yourself of what God’s Kingdom might look like. Pray that God use your gifts and opportunities to bring mercy & justice in accord with His will.

“Give us today our daily bread.”

Jesus recognizes the need for daily food, but teaches much more with this simple phrase. The things most often taken for granted – food, water & health – are all you really need. Contrast that to what is most often desired – success, reward, recognition – and reflect on how those things lead away from God.

Then remember that Jesus is your daily bread. Reflect on how becoming more Christ-like will help others see Christ in you.

“Forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors.”

Jesus taught that forgiveness of sins is available to you ONLY IF you also forgive others when they sin against you (Matthew 6:14-15). Have others “sinned” against you? Have you forgiven them? 

Don’t under-estimate the effort required nor the power of forgiveness; doing so significantly enhances your ability to serve like Jesus did. Pray for insights on where forgiveness is due, then follow-up with tangible action. The rewards may be intangible but great! 

“Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.”

Staying away from evil is a blessing from God, and a result of your choices. Life today provides ready access to both temptation and evil, and the enemy knows it.

You should know that resisting temptation and avoiding evil is not a solo sport even for the strongest of Christians. Temptation and evil are at the very center of all spiritual warfare – God’s help is mandatory, so be sure to pray for that!

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As you close, commit the Lord’s Prayer to memory. Then, next time you lie awake at night, pray through the Lord’s Prayer, or reflect on just one stanza, and praise God for His goodness!

Amen!

Reflection / Application   

1. If you haven’t already done so, commit the Lord’s Prayer to memory. Write it down and leave it where you will see it.   
2. Which of the 5 stanzas of the Lord’s Prayer gives you most joy? Which feels like the most work?   
3. Next time you lie awake in bed, repeat the Lord’s Prayer to yourself, over and over until you fall back to sleep. Meditate on any sections that speak to you. Don’t worry if you don’t finish or if you lose your place – just enjoy God’s presence as you pray!

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These readings were abstracted from the book “How to be a Christian at Work” – click here to get your copy  and dig deeper into all aspects of living out your faith each day!