NORMAN — Since prayer is the path that leads to the heart of God, I enjoyed investing some time re-appreciating the prayer taught by Jesus to his disciples. The following is an expanded paraphrase that might be helpful in your devotional time with the Heavenly Father.
Our Father who art in heaven: Heavenly Father, I bow before you acknowledging you both as the ruling God of the Universe and as my caring Father. I am grateful that I am special to you. I rejoice that you are able to meet all my needs because of who you are. Hallowed be thy name: I want to see your character and reputation honored in this world. I desire to honor your name in all that I think, say, and do.
Thy Kingdom Come: Because you are my Heavenly Father, I want your Kingdom values to invade my life. I desire to live for your Kingdom first and foremost. I look forward to your soon return. Thy will be Done: Your will must be first. May I continue to surrender to your will in the circumstances of life, trusting that I can fully rely on you. Give us this day our Daily Bread: Lord, provide the necessary things to enable me to honor your name, to serve your kingdom, and to do your will.
Forgive us our Debts as we also have Forgiven our Debtors: Forgive me, Father, for the things I do that offend and disappoint you, even as I forgive others who have done things against me. As one of the most forgiven people in the universe, I should be among those who are most forgiving. I acknowledge that refusing to forgive others will undermine and disrupt our fellowship together. Do not Lead us into Temptation, but Deliver us from Evil: Lord, I am weak and vulnerable and I need you. Be my protector! May I not yield to temptation, but rather seek in your power to avoid and flee from it so I don’t embarrass your name and kingdom.
For Thine is the Kingdom, and the Power, and the Glory Forever:
Father, it is not about me. It is all about you. I praise you for your kingdom, which rules over all. I praise you for your power, which is unbounded and available to me. I praise you for your unparalleled glory, which outshines even the brightest sun. I praise you that this is reality now, and forever and ever. Amen.
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