SCRIPTURE: Luke (NIV) 11:2 He said to them, “When you pray, say: “‘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.’”
Matthew (NIV) 6:13 And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.’
OBSERVATION: Continuing with the prayer that Jesus gave as a pattern when the disciples asked Him to teach them to pray. It is given in both the books of Matthew and Luke. That the wording is somewhat different, says to me that it is a pattern for prayer, not necessarily a word for word memorized prayer.
Prayer is to be an expression of our relationship to our loving Heavenly Father. It is an expression of worship and appreciation. It is also an expression of our dependence on Him. We need His provision and we need His guidance!
APPLICATION: If I am going to ask God for provision, then I must be content with what He provides. If I realize that my possessions all come from Him, then I must use them as He directs. What I have, much or little, is not only meant to bless me, but to make me a blessing to others.
If I am going to ask God to lead me, then I must be willing to follow. If I believe my Heavenly Father is all knowing (omniscient) then following His guidance makes perfect sense. He knows the way I should go. He will lead me away from temptation and into a path where I can grow and be a blessing to others.
PRAYER: Heavenly Father, you are so awesome! It is my privilege to serve you. May you enjoy having me as your child, for I surely enjoy having you as my Heavenly Father! Amen
Pastor Leon
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