- Our Father, Who is in heaven
Father, You are the Originator and Transmitter of Life. You have infused Your Spirit into us to activate and initiate our minds. You rule from the highest seat of order. Thank You for being our Creator, Preserver, Guardian, and Protector.
- Hallowed be Thy Name
I acknowledge Your character as respected and venerable. You are separated, holy, and set apart from everything I’ve known. Even though You existed before time began, nothing about You needs to be changed. Indeed, as the heavens are higher than the earth, Your ways and thoughts are higher than mine.
- Your Kingdom come
Although You rule from another dimension, You desire the routine of the heavens to infuse our land. Come forth. I eagerly welcome Your reign to penetrate into our earthly sphere. May Your rule manifest before our eyes so that Your authority finds supreme influence and mirrors Your sovereignty in heaven. When we push away our inferior kingdoms, space is created for Your Kingdom of love, joy, and peace. Your Kingdom floods into lowered heart spaces that are poor in spirit.
- Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven
S.D.Gordon says that Your “will be done” means the other “will be undone.” When we utter these words, we choose Your desire over our own. You welcome discussion and questions from children who are willing to be willing. Although our thoughts aren’t the same as Yours, we will embrace what pleases You. Yes, Father, generate heaven’s inclination into reality within us. Touch us with Your torch of life to multiply Your best onto the earth.
- Give us this day our daily bread
Having aligned ourselves with Your administration and aspirations, we ask You for what we need. As our good Father, You always furnish what we lack. Thank You that this doesn’t only include food but also everything pertaining to life and godliness. Help us to desire what You determine as essential.
- And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors
When I ask, You willingly remit every way I have offended You. In turn, I am committed to letting go of those who have offended me. I want to let go of the bitterness, hatred, and anger caused by betrayal and injustice. But it seems that I can say it easier than I can follow through.
Forgiveness in Greek translates as “sending away.” To evict my offenses includes letting go of my demand for resolution. I’m learning that most or all of the change must occur inside me. I must disregard any outstanding debts or “ought-to’s” of my betrayer.
Heretofore, I have prayed that the other one would ask my forgiveness. I release that expectation and send away the hurt. In Your strength, I put what I previously felt owed to me to rest. I plead the blood of Jesus to cover areas I’m not yet ready to release. Come, Holy Spirit, and initiate the metamorphosis in my heart.
- And do not lead us into temptation
This is my “may this cup pass from me” prayer. Even Jesus Himself prayed thus. Spare me from trials and temptations, for I distrust myself against evil and know my weaknesses.
I realize that sometimes You use a trial to prove and increase the quality of my faith. After these tests, in retrospect, I can see the value of such an ordeal. So, although I ask for no difficulties at all, I submit to Your Divine wisdom to choose whatever is best for me.
- But deliver us from evil
I agree with Rev. R. Tuck: “No one can tell beforehand how he will be affected by persistent, insidious, and vehement temptations. If it is a duty to avoid evil, it is surely permissible to solicit Divine help thereto.” If I must be tempted, then keep me away from evil. Rescue me continually.
- For Yours is the Kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.
Hallelujah. Your Kingdom has both energy and radiance behind it. May I remember this daily. So be it.