February 17 - The Lord’s Prayer

Matthew 6:9-15 

Pray, then, in this way: 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. For if you forgive  others for their transgressions, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive  others, then your Father will not forgive your transgressions.

This is probably the best known prayer in the Christian world---used frequently as an example since Jesus said to “pray this way.”  Look closely---honor God, let His will be done in your life, i.e. – give your life to Him. We are asking God for daily bread---both physically and spiritually. We are seeking forgiveness and asking that we are protected from the evil one. He is worthy of glory forever. Begin and end your prayers with recognition of God’s power, honor and glory. Then you may ask for what you need (food and protection). Be sure to also confess your sins, then ask for forgiveness for yourself and offer forgiveness for any wrongs that have been against you. Only then will you actually be forgiven for your sins. Without forgiving others, walls of bitterness will be built up.

Don’t build walls---build bridges. Bridges of relationships with God and with others and set the table with forgiveness. Feast with your family and friends, remembering Jesus words in the prayer that He taught His disciples to pray.