Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
September 28, 2023: SOAP #5047: Zechariah 1-3; Luke 11 (reworked SOAP)

SCRIPTURE:  Luke (NIV) 11:2 He (Jesus) said to them (His disciples), “When you pray, say: ‘(Our) Father, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come. 3 Give us each day our daily bread. 4 Forgive us our sins, for we also forgive everyone who sins against us.  And lead us not into temptation.’”

OBSERVATION:  This should be called The Disciple’s Prayer for it was given by Jesus to them at their request.

Jesus did not teach his disciples to pray: Give me my bread; forgive me my sins; lead me not into temptation.  He was not teaching us to pray alone, but to pray as a group.  And when I pray as an individual, I should be consciously aware that I am not alone in following Jesus.

APPLICATION:  In praying for my needs, I need to be more aware that those around me have needs too.  Even when praying for forgiveness, I need to remember others need forgiveness too.  When I come to the Lord with my sins, I can remember that others sin too.  I need the merciful God to forgive me in the same way my brother or sister needs the merciful God to forgive them.  I need God’s help in overcoming temptations, and those around me need God’s help also.

PRAYER:  Holy Spirit, the next time I quote these verses as a prayer, help me pray as Jesus intended for us to pray.  Enlarge my heart to pray with and for others.   Amen

Pastor Leon
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