Today, we wrap up our articles on prayer that we've been reading these past few weeks. I pray that you will see the need to communicate with our Heavenly Father through these writings.
As we finish up looking at the Lord’s Prayer and the blueprint Jesus taught us on how to pray, I'm excited to see what comes next for your prayer life. God wants us to pray boldly, asking, seeking, and knocking. Let’s go after the God things in our lives.
Just like last week's article, most of today's article is found in an incredible book entitled What’s Next? The Journey to Know God, Find Freedom, Discover Purpose, and Make A Difference. Chris Hodges is the author of this book, which would be a great addition to your library and help grow your faith. Let’s dive into today's article, shall we?
ONE | FORGIVE US OUR DEBTS, AS WE ALSO HAVE FORGIVEN OUR DEBTORS
Jesus instructs us to make sure our hearts are right with God and right with other people. All of us have regrets. All of us make mistakes. All of us fall short. Despite our best efforts, it happens again and again and again.
1 John 1:9 NLT But if we confess our sins to him, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all wickedness.
God promises, "I will cleanse you," and he forgives us instantly, totally, freely, repeatedly, and continuously. One of the many benefits of prayer is that we can leave our guilt and shame with God. There is no reason for us to carry it day after day.
If you carry it daily, you're not taking advantage of what Jesus Christ did on the cross. Give God your guilt.
God wants to forgive you. He says so over and over throughout His Word. Ask him to check your heart, to search your motives and thoughts, and to bring to light any areas that stand between you and him or between you and other people.
Without a doubt, in life, we will be hurt. Sometimes intentionally. Sometimes unintentionally. How we handle those hurts determines our happiness. For our own happiness, we must learn to forgive and to practice forgiveness on a regular basis. This is the only part of the Lord's Prayer that Jesus gave further commentary on after he taught the prayer: Matthew 6:14-15 NLT [14] "If you forgive those who sin against you, your heavenly Father will forgive you. [15] But if you refuse to forgive others, your Father will not forgive your sins.
It's not that God is unwilling to forgive us before we forgive those who sin against us; it's that we're blocking our own path when we sit in unforgiveness. Someone once came to John Wesley and said, "I just can't forgive that person! They hurt me too badly." Wesley thought for a moment and said, "Then I hope you never sin!
The Bible says to forgive and be forgiven. The two commands are unified. For your own sake, let go of the past. If somebody hurt you, let go of it. Release them and release yourself. That's one of the many benefits of prayer. It helps you unload.
TWO | AND LEAD US NOT INTO TEMPTATION, BUT DELIVER US FROM THE EVIL ONE
Ephesians 6:12 NLT For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places.
Take your stand against the enemy and fight the good fight of faith. Every lie that the enemy has told you should be replaced with the truth of God's Word. Prayer is not only communion with God; it's confrontation with the enemy.
Where are you being attacked? How is the enemy coming after you right now? What's out of control in your life? Give it to God. That's raw prayer material.
Pray something like, "God, this is out of control in my life. I can't control my temper. God, I can't control my wandering thoughts. I can't control my appetite. I can't control this dependency. I can't control my tendency to ..." Whatever it is, give it to God and ask him to intervene.
Another area where Satan sometimes attacks us involves our fears. What are you afraid of? Be honest and simply say, "God, I'm scared to death about the future... or this new job ... or that I'm out of work... or that I've got a problem ... or that I'll never get married." No matter what it is, give it to God and allow him to overcome that fear in your heart with his truth!
Remember, God’s got your back, look at what Psalm 34:4 has to say. Psalm 34:4 NLT I prayed to the LORD, and he answered me. He freed me from all my fears.
Prayer allows you to fight the good fight.
THREE | FOR YOURS IS THE KINGDOM AND THE POWER AND THE GLORY FOREVER
God is in love with us and He’s holding us together. Finally, express faith in God's ability. Check out Jeremiah 32:17 NLT "O Sovereign LORD! You made the heavens and earth by your strong hand and powerful arm. Nothing is too hard for you!
End your prayer time by reminding yourself of God's ability.
Return to praise, and make your faith declarations. End in the victory that Jesus has already secured: "Yours is the kingdom" - all rule belongs to you! "Yours is the power" - all power flows from you! "Yours is the glory" - your victory is complete!
Even when you don't feel victorious, remind yourself of the truth of God's Word. Don't let your emotions dictate how, when, and why you pray. Talk to God. Open your heart. Listen to Him. Praise Him and give Him thanks for all the blessings in your life. Praise Him for who He is and how you can talk to Him directly.
Martin Luther is quoted as saying, “To be a Christian without prayer is no more possible than to be alive without breathing.” Begin spending time with God today and watch the atmosphere and your perspective on things change to be more centered around God.
Please don't hesitate to reach out if you need anything or someone to talk to. 901-515-6450. God never called us to walk through life alone. The best is yet to come in your life.
