Pray like this

“Pray like this: Our Father in heaven, may your name be kept holy. May your Kingdom come soon. May your will be done on earth, as it is in heaven. Give us today the food we need, and forgive us our sins, as we have forgiven those who sin against us. And don’t let us yield to temptation, but rescue us from the evil one.”Matthew‬ ‭6‬:‭9‬-‭13‬ ‭NLT‬‬

This prayer was given to the disciples by Jesus, whilst the format was probably what He intended it has been taken by many and repeated ‘as the heathens do’ (words of Jesus). The prayer format is the best as it begins with the Father, gives Him glory and seeks His will and design for earth. ‘Give us today the food we need’ is all that is mentioned about physical needs, there is a focus on forgiveness. According to this prayer forgiveness of self hinges on our forgiveness of others. As request for protection from evil end the prayer unless the longer version is used: ‘for Yours is the kingdom, the power and the glory!’ 

Beginning and ending with honour to the Father is good. Focusing on what is important is good: the Father and His kingdom. Less about perceived needs is good, forgiveness is important and deliverance from evil extremely important.

Jesus taught this, therefore we need to ponder this prayer and learn from it. The plans the Father has are more important than any we can concoct. Seeking His plans is wise rather than telling Him what the plans are. We are not God! Amen!