Pray, Pray, Pray
Did you ever think we would be living in the times we are in right now?
2 Timothy 3:1 in the NKJV says, "But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come." And while I have read this passage many times throughout my life, to be in the midst of this declaration is mind-blowing. And if I am honest, it is a charge to my spirit that if we ever needed to pray, now is the time.
Jesus told His disciples they were the light of the world (Matthew 5:14), and you know what? We are too!
He desires for us to give glory to our Heavenly Father, so others will know they don't have to lose hope; there is a God, and he is alive and well!
The Struggle of Prayer
As children of God, we have been granted access to commune with the Living God whenever we want. However, sometimes, it just doesn't come that easy.
Have you ever sat down to pray, and moments after you close your eyes and still your thoughts, your brain goes blank?
Or maybe you begin to pray, and the words come until you feel like you have been praying for an hour (meanwhile, it's only been minutes) and you've just run out of things to pray for?
The Father knows our hearts and our desires to be connected to Him and the kingdom of heaven. This is why I believe in His goodness; He gives us help when we need it.
Jesus' Model For Prayer
Jesus, the Good Teacher, always asked thought-provoking questions and challenged his followers to pursue life transformation. But he also provided help when they asked.
In Luke 11, one of Jesus' disciples asked him to teach him how to pray. And Jesus taught him a model that would be used throughout the generations.
"1 Now it came to pass, as He was praying in a certain place, when He ceased, that one of His disciples said to Him, 'Lord, teach us to pray, as John also taught his disciples.' 2 So He said to them, 'When you pray, say:
Our Father in heaven,
Hallowed be Your name.
Your kingdom come.
Your will be done
On earth as it is in heaven.
3 Give us day by day our daily bread.
4 And forgive us our sins,
For we also forgive everyone who is indebted to us.
And do not lead us into temptation,
But deliver us from the evil one.’"
Luke 1:1-4, NKJV
This model is a helpful tool to use in your prayer time when you don't know what to say, when your heart is so grieved that the words won't come, or even when you want to refresh your quiet time with the Lord.
So together, let's explore what each section of this prayer model is interceding for.
Our Father in Heaven (vs. 2)
The start of this model prompts us to remember just how holy and sacred God's name is. When we begin our prayer by reminding ourselves of God's sovereignty, we are fanning the flames of our faith in Him and declaring His majesty.
Starting our prayers off like this is also a great way to remind ourselves of how good and intentional God is, even in the ordinary!
Your Kingdom Come Your Will Be Done (vs. 2)
Next, we ask God to catch us up in the story of heaven. When we invite His will to be done, we are asking Him to come and dwell in the spaces of our hearts, our homes, our cities, and our world.
Ask Him to fill you with the boldness of His Spirit so that you may be obedient to whatever He asks you.
Give Us Our Daily Bread (vs. 3)
The provision we ask for is not just physical but also spiritual.
As you present your needs before the Lord, remember that He is our Living Bread. Invite Him to give you everything you need physically and spiritually. And ask Him to provide you with the sense to eat it!
Forgive Us As We Forgive Others (vs. 4)
This section of our prayer model comes in two parts: we ask for forgiveness for ourselves and also that we would forgive others.
I have a married friend who gets up every morning, looks at his wife, and says, "Honey, please forgive me for everything I will do today that will hurt you."
My friend reminded me of the posture we should have daily with God. And as we pursue forgiveness for our sinful nature, we can be reminded of his son dying on the cross for us, despite the wrong he knew we would do.
Once we take time to seek forgiveness, we then reflect on any unforgiveness dwelling in our hearts.
When we remember that He said vengeance is His and He would pay back all that was stolen (Romans 12:19), we are free to let go of any bitterness and resentment.
And may we forgive as Jesus does.
Deliver Us From Evil (vs. 4)
We are in a time of crisis: a rampant virus, social injustice, and senseless violence, to name a few.
In times like these, we can ask God to deliver our families, those who are sick, and that He would build a hedge of protection around us.
So when you find yourself wanting to pray, pray, pray, but you aren't quite sure what to say, I encourage you to go to the Scriptures. And as you partner with God in prayer, remember that He is faithful and provides a way for you.