The model prayer also focuses on the issues of temptations to sin and deliverance from pitfalls of evil behavior. This prayer boldly requests God to never lead us into temptation and to deliver us from evil. Such a prayer shows determination to stop sinful practices before they get a permanent grasp on our own lives.
There are severe consequences by being deceived by sin and being entrapped in destructive forces. Jesus directly acknowledged that only the power of God can stop the damaging existence of sins. Jesus encouraged His disciples to will not allow us to be tempted beyond what we can bear.
How will our own personal prayers improve immediately with the use of Jesus’ model prayer? Can we measure spiritual growth with the strength of the model prayer? We as a community of believers must tell others of the forgiveness that can be received through Jesus Christ with faith-filled prayers. We can pray for spiritual maturity to seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness. After checking our motives when we pray, we are to make sure that they match God’s will.
Are we only praying when troubles hit us? Tapping into this inexhaustible heavenly resource enables and empowers us as believers beyond our limited imaginations! Pray much during happy times and as believers keep praying at regular times daily. Prayer is a most powerful resource.
All of our prayers must acknowledge that God’s will is supreme. It is not our will, but that thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Our lives are filled with good and bad times, joys, and sorrows and prayer is always the most appropriate response for us as believers. Most importantly, prayer allows believers to maintain direct communication with God. Prayer expresses trust that God will continue to use His resources for our good!
Mrs. Gladys McElmore, a resident of Norfolk’s Middle Town Arch Community, is a New Journal and Guide Freelance Contributor on religion. She is a native of Essex County, Va.
INSPIRATIONAL MESSAGE: Jesus Presented the Model Prayer
- Wednesday, 15 August 2012 17:05
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By Gladys McElmore
Most of us desire a relationship with someone who cares enough to listen and respond to our needs. To whom can we go? Jesus taught that we have a loving heavenly father to whom we can persistently bring our needs and the desires of our hearts. The model prayer resulted from a request of Jesus’ disciples. Once Jesus was praying, when he finished the disciples asked Him to teach them to pray just as John taught his disciples (Luke 11:1).
According to the model prayer what are the things we should ask God for? The model prayer can be a guide for praying. We can always begin by praising God, honoring God, and thanking Him for all available blessings. God’s name should be praised for who He is and for what He has done, what He is doing, and for what He will do in the future. These opening statements may express dependency on Him. As we move on in prayer, personal and physical needs may be requested such as life and the things that work to fulfill our lives. However when needs are repeatedly requested, that shows our dependency and trust in God.
In the model prayer, we learn how Jesus points to the need to ask God for forgiveness of sins based upon our ability to forgive. The request to be set right with God is fundamental to Christian faith. Remember that forgiveness was a fundamental element of Jesus’ suffering on the cross. Salvation is given to us because of the forgiveness of God for human sin. How are sins committed? We sin against God, ourselves and others.