If we are to be effective prayer warriors, I think it is worthwhile to look at some of the prayers of Jesus.
We are Christ’s representatives; we also reflect, or represent Christ to the world, so we should do as He did. Of course, the first example of Jesus praying springing to my mind is The Lords’ Prayer.
Let’s take a look at it. First, the short version:
Jesus said, “This is how you should pray:
Luke 11:2-4 New Living Translation
“Father, may your name be kept holy.
May your Kingdom come soon.
Give us each day the food we need,
and forgive us our sins,
as we forgive those who sin against us.
And don’t let us yield to temptation.”
And here it is in a little longer version, found in the Sermon on the Mount (and in a different translation):
“Pray, then, in this way:
Matthew 6:9-13 New American Standard Bible 1995
‘Our Father who is in heaven,
Hallowed be Your name.
‘Your kingdom come.
Your will be done,
On earth as it is in heaven.
‘Give us this day our daily bread.
‘And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors.
‘And do not lead us into temptation, but deliver us from evil. [For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.’
Don’t use words just to be talking
Earlier in His sermon, Jesus had talked about not using vain repetitions in prayer. In the original language, vain repetitions comes from the word, “battologeō,” which can mean babbling. Instead, He gives us a short, concise prayer as an example.
So much has been written over the centuries about this prayer. I’m sure I’m not going to say anything new or fresh; but I want to hit the highlights.
To Whom Are You Praying?
Jesus started the prayer out addressing God as “Our” Father. We are His kids. We have the right to pray to our Father.
But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, even to those who believe in His name,
John 1:12 New American Standard Bible 1995
Open with Reverence
Hallowed be your name basically means keep His name holy. He is so magnificent, marvelous, wonderful, all powerful and all mighty. We should never treat Him like it’s a common everyday thing to approach Him. He deserves all the praise and glory we can give.
What’s Most Important?
After greeting our Father and giving Him praise, the most important thing is to pray His kingdom, and His will, be established here on earth. Because when it is, everything will be right in our world.
God is always at work. We don’t always see it, but He is busy arranging things and working out situations for our good. If you are living a Romans 8:28 kind of life, you already know this.
And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.
Romans 8:28 New American Standard Bible 1995
Now does that mean He is going to cause us to have everything go our way? Absolutely not. Romans 8:29 tells us why:
For those whom He foreknew, He also predestined to become conformed to the image of His Son, so that He would be the firstborn among many brethren;
Romans 8:29 NASB 1995
He knows we need some struggle and rough patches to smooth away our edges and make us look more like Christ.
Personal Experience
Let me tell you a story. In 2011, a flood was predicted for the area where I lived. We got busy sandbagging and finding sump pumps and all the things you do when you’re dealing with flood waters. Well, at least my husband did. I’m confessing I did not take the danger seriously because as a believer, I was sure my God was going to come through for me and not let the flood happen. I half-heartedly tried to protect my possessions; but I didn’t do everything I should have.
The flood waters did come. We had about 18” of water standing in our house that first day. And because of my unbelief, I lost some pictures, books, and other things. Frankly, I was puzzled. How could God let this happen to me? I’m far from perfect; but I know God knows my heart and my desire to live for Him.
The end result was an answer to prayer
Later, I understood God used that flood to answer some previous prayers. When it was all over, I could see how He had orchestrated things, and we were actually better off after the flood than before!
When His will gets done, everything turns out for the best. Why? Because He is a good, good Father and He wants the best for you. And the best thing is to learn how to become more Christlike. Unfortunately, it takes tests and trials to make that happen.
Tomorrow, I will tackle the remainder of the Lord’s Prayer. I’d love it if you’d join me!
We’re already over half done! This is the 17th day of my Transformation: Becoming an Effective Prayer Warrior series. The goal is to write 28 posts discussing spiritual armor, the prayer of agreement and other prayer strategies.
I don’t pretend to know all the answers. I’m going to be thinking with my fingers, so to speak, as I process what is in my heart about these topics after reading the word and praying for discernment.
You can go here to see each post I will be making on this topic.
Today’s question for your consideration: Do you have even a tiny bit of unforgiveness in your heart?
PREVIOUS POST – Transformation: Praying by Your Lonesome
Sharing at Anita Ojeda’s 2023 Write 28 Days Challenge and Grace and Truth