Prayer — Who’s It For Anyway?

Prayer —

It’s something we often take for granted.  It’s also something we can think of too little.  Something that’s often our last resort.  This quote from RC Sproul reminds us to glorify God in our prayers, even before we seek to benefit ourselves.

In our home, I’ve often reminded my family to shake things up in our prayers.  Especially at our mealtime prayers.  It’s so easy to just say the prayers, give thanks and ask for what we want.  But what if we really pause to reflect on who God is and what He’s done for us.  To really thank Him and acknowledge His place in our lives.  And then to ask to be the kind of people who reflect Christ to the world.

“Our Father”…..

It seems so very basic, but The Lord’s Prayer is just that kind of prayer.  One which reminds us to put things in order as we pray.  To truly remember just Who we are addressing and what we’re asking of Him.

Jesus begins His prayer by addressing the one true God.  “Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name.  Thy Kingdom come, Thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.”

Only after acknowledging the power and position God holds, does Jesus ask His Father for things done on earth — “Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors.  And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.  Amen.”

In all seasons and in all prayers, let’s give God the glory and praise, then ask for His blessings and care.   Possibly as we do this, we’ll recognize our great need for humility and help in this life on earth.  We’ll not just spend our prayer time asking for an easy life, but for the ability to be strong and live out our faith in a world that desperately needs to see what faith really looks like in action!

Our Father, you sent your Son from heaven above, and you above all are the Giver of all things good.  Let your will and your way be done on this earth to all your creation.  Thank you for all the blessings you send our way.  Forgive us for the wrongs we have done and remind us to forgive others for their insults in the same way.  Please send us only the things we need and keep us from those that would harm us.  In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Blessings and prayers to you all at the start of this New Year!

I call upon you, for you will answer me, O God;
    incline your ear to me; hear my words.  Psalm 17:6