Matthew 6:8-13
Here is an audio link for today’s post.
Before you begin to read this devotion, think about what you believe is the very first request or petition in the Lord’s Prayer. The answer may not be obvious.
How do we see the Light of Jesus in this dark world? Shadows are everywhere. They obscure the line between right and wrong.
Even true believers are often pulled back into the fog of ease and apathy. We often lend our redeemed voices to the shrill demands of the world.
But wait a minute! The title of today’s devotion tells us all we need to know about how to dispel the darkness.
God gave us His Light, Jesus, to light up the darkness.
He gave us His Word as a guide. And one of the instructions from the Savior Himself, came from His model prayer.
“Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.”
Lord Jesus, help us to magnify God’s name from the moment we wake up till we lie down to sleep.
“Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven“
Jesus also taught believers to pray for His return to Earth. (Revelation 22:20) Don’t pray in a nihilistic way, but with eager anticipation. God knows the day. He will keep His promise. Pray for all of the brothers and sisters. (Ephesians 6:18)
“Give us this day our daily bread”
The Bible is filled with stories of God’s faithful provision. Read about the wandering Hebrews. Even though they sinned, God provided even the smallest needs.
And I have led you forty years in the wilderness. Your clothes have not worn out on you, and your sandals have not worn out on your feet.
Deuteronomy 29:5
“And forgive us our debts…”
Don’t allow your sins to linger. Sin is a serious impediment to our prayer life.
“He who covers his sins will not prosper,But whoever confesses and forsakes them will have mercy.”
Proverbs 28:13
Now here is a hard one for some believers.
“…as we forgive our debtors.“
One of the most challenging obstacles in our walk with Jesus, is unforgiveness. But God is clear. “…forgive even as Christ has forgiven you.” Colossians 3:13. Sometimes forgiveness is simply hard. How do we forgive?
Now, because some situations are complicated, here is a link to an article on forgiveness. Why Should I Forgive? 1
Sometimes you may not be able to forgive because the offender doesn’t ask to be forgiven. Jesus didn’t forgive Judas or the unrepentant thief on the cross. Why? Because they didn’t ask for it.
But in every situation, keep your heart from bitterness. (Hebrews 12:15)
“And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil…”
There is a perfect Scripture to help every believer win the fight against temptation. (Ephesians 6:10-18)
By the way, we are almost at the end of the devotion. Do you know what Jesus said should be our first petition? If you said, “…hallowed be Thy Name…” then you are correct. Many believers would say the first request was “…Thy kingdom come…”. Our heart’s desire should always be to glorify God.
So with that, let’s close our prayer, as it began. Glorify God.
For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever.
Amen.
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Isaiah 52:7
King James Version (KJV)
Public Domain
New King James Version (NKJV)
Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Statement of Faith
Baptist Faith and Message 2000
- Gotquestions.org Article: Why should I forgive? ↩︎
