Its Only Werds...

In my mind, as clear as if it was yesterday, I hear the priest say, "Let us pray to the Lord in the words our Saviour gave us..." and that was ALWAYS the lead-in for us to pray "the Lord's Prayer". Thinking deeply, and perhaps analytically, about that now, I think of the scripture. (y'all sigh relief, ha ha!)

In HIS own word, according to the divinely inspired message, Jesus had HIS own 'lead-in'.

"Matthew 6:7 But when ye pray, use not vain repetitions, as the heathen do: for they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking. 8 Be not ye therefore like unto them: for your Father knoweth what things ye have need of, before ye ask him. 9 After this manner therefore pray ye:"

I think of that because, though there is MUCH merit in the memorizing of scripture (see Deuteronomy chapter 6), it is worthless if we just RECITE this prayer. I believe Jesus meant this as a GUIDE. Check this out...

CHECK THIS OUT: Take each statement, expound on it, converse it with HIM, worship and honor HIM, communicate COMMUNICATE (did i say COMMUNICATE yet???) with HIM... NO BETTER WAY TO START EACH DAY!

Here is JUST an example -- if you memorize THIS, you would be using my werds, please don't. Please, if this bears witness with the Spirit of HE Who came to give us life within you, use it as a guideline. I say these things because sometimes I believe even HIS kids can view HIM, OUR GOD and FATHER, as some big giant disciplinarian, up on some magnificient throne in some far away heaven, just waiting for us to screw up so HE can punish us....and HE is NOT. HE wants to be in a relationship with us. Jesus is our way to the HOLY of HOLIES, through the Holy Spirit, WHO ever intercedes for us....but i digress -- here's my sample:

Matthew 6:9b Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Jehovah God, my Father in heaven, you ARE the ONE TRUE GOD, you are holy and worthy of all my praise. Please hear my prayer, Abba, Father, I humble myself before YOU and acknowledge YOU alone are GOD.

10 Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. God, I invite you to bring YOUR kingdom into my life this new day. Have YOUR will and YOUR way with me today, God. Let your kingdom come in my life and here on earth as it is in heaven.

11 Give us this day our daily bread. Jehovah Jireh, my God, my Provider, please meet the needs of this day. You know what I need before I ask, I trust you for my provisions -- spiritual and physical. I thank YOU for providing for me thus far.

12 And forgive us our debts, God, I confess my sin to you: (at this time, i do so...naming SPECIFICALLY WITHOUT making excuses...) and humbly ask your forgiveness by the blood of Jesus. 

as we forgive our debtors. As I receive Your forgiveness, my God and my Father, I ask you to give me Your heart of forgiveness toward others, specifically (at this time, i expound on any hurts or places i need to be forgiving of...)

13 And lead us not into temptation, (i used to wrinkle my brow and wonder at this one, but i get it now...) God, open my eyes to the wiles of the enemy and help me to be strong against temptation. I know that there is nothing I will encounter today that someone else has not already encountered, and I ask you to show me the way against the temptations of the day. (I Cor. 10:13) I trust you to show me the better way, YOUR way.

but deliver us from evil: God, deliver me from the enemy and his evil ways. I know the trials of the day are spiritual battles, I claim victory in the name of Jesus. (at this time, I "GET DRESSED"!!! remember the full armor of God? Ephesians 6:10-17) and my old post here

(click-->) GET DRESSED!

For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Go with me now, my God, through this day and the things that are accomplished, I will FOREVER give YOU the praise and thanks. The kingdom and power are Yours, YOU are worthy of all glory. God, please receive the petitions I bring before you as the Spirit puts them on my heart. (at this point, I bring my requests before God and then, as I go throughout my day, I pray for those who are on my heart and for situations as they occur.)

Amen. AMEN AMEN and AMEN!

He gave it to us as a model. Make it personal with HIM...make it yours and HIS...may HE be glorified AMEN.

shared with love and gratitude for HIS AMAZING GRACE.