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VALLEY CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH

Some Thoughts on 'The Lord's Prayer'

1/14/2017

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In the Sermon on the Mount, as Jesus instructed His followers, He said to them:  This, then, is how you should pray: Our Father, in heaven…(Matthew 6:9).  As He gives a pattern, a model for prayer, He begins with the words, Our Father; never forget who it is you are addressing in prayer – He is our Father; we are in a relationship with Him, we are His beloved children!  Never forget how He feels about you; He couldn’t have a greater love for you than He already has and He invites us to come to Him in prayer.
 
Our Father in heaven reminds us that our God is sovereign, He rules over all.  He is ever present, all wise and all powerful -- nothing is too difficult for Him.  He able, more than able to respond to the cares and concerns of your life.
 
Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name; His name is to be honored and as such, our prayers must include an element of worship – always include praise and adoration as you come to God in prayer.
 
Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. May there be a little more of heaven on earth; may kingdom values prevail in a world that has lost its way.  And may His will be done – have your own way Lord, in my life, my home and family, in all that I put my hand to do, in all that I have, in all my relationships and in my service to the Lord; in our church, in our communities, in our nation and our world.
 
Give us today our daily bread; take care of our needs and give us grateful heart as we realize all that we enjoy in life is a gift from the hand of a good and gracious God.  The Bible says present your requests to God (Philippians 4:6); the big concerns of your life that keep you awake at night and those day-by-day cares and concerns -- Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.  (1 Peter 5:7)
 
And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. Our prayers need to be honest prayers, prayers of confession and repentance that we might grow in our faith and not be the obstacle that prevents us from being all God wants us to be in Christ.  As we pray ‘forgive me’, we receive cleansing and healing grace and strength to live a life that is pleasing to Him. And, we are able to extend forgiveness and grace to those who have offended or wronged us – we can life with a forgiving spirit toward others.
 
And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.  Pray for protections from the Evil One, from the forces of evil and the temptations that can so easily derail us in our journey of faith.  Remember the words of Peter:  Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. (1 Peter 5:8)  Pray for yourself, your loved ones and for the church for protection and victory in Christ.
 
Some manuscripts add Yours in the kingdom, the power and the glory forever. 
Begin your prayer with worship and end it with a declaration of praise and honour and glory to our God.  And close your prayer by saying, Amen, let it be so; may it be forever so.  Amen!
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    Author

    Ken Clarke has been the Pastor at Valley since 2007. He lives in the Oliver area 
    with his wife Janice. They have three adult children, Lisa, Scott & Tiffany (Riley, Charlie), Andrea & Jason (Noah, Luke).

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