“When you pray, don’t pour out a flood of empty words, as the Gentiles do. They think that by saying many words they’ll be heard. Don’t be like them, because your Father knows what you need before you ask. Pray like this:
Our Father who is in heaven,
uphold the holiness of your name.
Bring in your kingdom
so that your will is done on earth as it’s done in heaven.
Give us the bread we need for today.
Forgive us for the ways we have wronged you,
just as we also forgive those who have wronged us.
And don’t lead us into temptation,
but rescue us from the evil one.
“If you forgive others their sins, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you don’t forgive others, neither will your Father forgive your sins. (Matthew 6:7-15, CEB)
I have always wondered why we use the words we translated as Jesus saying here to the disciples as a prayer in worship weekly. Jesus didn’t say, pray these words for the rest of time, or even pray these words. Jesus said to pray like this.
And then used words to form a method of prayer.
Address God and give God honor.
Ask for God’s will to be done
Ask for what we need
Request forgiveness
And ask for help forgiving others.
Request assistance…
So let us pray:
Wonderful creator of all that exists, Be with us now and always and work in and through our lives so your love may be shown in this world. Give us daily what we need and forgive us when we stray and treat others badly. Help us to forgive and love everyone as you have forgiven and love us and guide us each day to share your love in our community. Amen.
Loving People. Loving God.
aSacredRebel 