Thoughts for the Day

‘When you are praying, do not heap up empty phrases as the Gentiles do; for they think that they will be heard because of their many words. Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him.

‘Pray then in this way:

Our Father in heaven,
hallowed be your name.
Your kingdom come.
Your will be done,
on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread.
And forgive us our debts,
as we also have forgiven our debtors.
And do not bring us to the time of trial,
but rescue us from the evil one.'

(Lectionary, New Revised Standard Version)

Thoughts

Do you make shopping lists? Or perhaps you have a holiday list? We have a list a family shopping list that sticks to the fridge, but I also make lists before I go out - the trouble is I often forget them!

Our Lord's blue-print for the ideal prayer to God makes me think we need a 'prayer list'. The Lord's Prayer has order, and we could use these brief statements to remind us of what to pray for:

Part 1: This concerns God

1. God is our Father - we owe Him praise and thanksgiving.
2. God's name - we ask it may be accepted by everyone.
3. God's kingdom (of love) - we ask that it might come to completion.
4. God's rule - we ask that His laws might be accepted everywhere.

Part 2: This concerns us (and the world?)

1. We ask God for food (water, shelter, peace?) for ourselves and others.
2. We ask God to forgive our sin, and promise to forgive others.
3. We ask not to be tested.
4. We ask to be rescued from all evil.

Notice God comes first when we pray, and we come later. We can still send a HELP prayer in an emergency!

God our Father,
we praise and bless You
for Your loving kindness,
and we pray that Your kingdom
will come to completeness in our world.
We look forward to a time when
Your laws will be obeyed,
Your justice administered,
and when peace will prevail.
We pray for ourselves and all peoples,
but especially for those who are hungry,
or who have no shelter or clean water,
or who are in danger.
Forgive our sin and keep us strong in the faith,
that we may withstand temptation,
with the help of the Holy Spirit.
Amen.