| Prayer to Our Father |
Some years ago I was impacted by Larry Lea and Bob Wilhite who taught and demonstrated the true intent of Our Lord in what the church calls, The Lord's Prayer. Actually when seen rightly, John 17 is the Lord's Prayer to Father. The first-mentioned one is actually: The Disciples' Prayer, as outlined by Jesus. It is the model. It is an outline. It was not given to us simply to write in a book and repeat from memory. Memorization of Scripture is good! It is necessary! But it must get into the heart (spirit) not just stay in the mind. It must be spoken; indeed declared and proclaimed!
Here's the key:
1. Jesus was in the rabbinic tradition. Rabbi's taught (and wrote) by giving outlines, from which they would expand, "flesh-out", amplify true meaning, as given by Holy Spirit.
2. In the teaching of martial arts, probably the most important, constantly repeated command is: "FOCUS!" Christians can learn some good lessons from a film like Karate Kid. What's the connection?
3. We believe that the prayer outline given by Jesus to His disciples (which may be called, "Prayer to The Father"), is the means by which we FOCUS our minds and hearts at the beginning of each day. We seek His face, we acknowledge His sovereignty and our need, and thus we commit our day to His loving grace.
Does it work? It has worked for me for thirty years. I can truly say that the things overcome in my life, largely due to 'fruit development' and effectiveness in intercession, come largely from the daily discipline of this prayer. I commend it to you, as Our Lord's great gift to you.
Holy Spirit will lead you to make whatever adaptations He desires.
The following
Prayer to Our Father,
displays how we believe Our Lord would have us pray:
Prayer to Our Father
The Lord Our Righteousness The Lord Our Salvation
The Lord Our Peace The Lord Who heals us
The Lord Our Shepherd Who gives us favor and victory
The Lord Who protects us The Lord My Provider
Today Lord, I proclaim Your sovereignty over myself, my family, Your people Israel, Your Church world-wide, my community and my nation. [name government leaders]
Give us this day, our daily bread:
To know and to do your perfect will, walk in righteousness and holiness, in love, joy and peace, goodness, meekness, faith, patience, gentleness and self-control, in revelation knowledge, understanding and wisdom.
Thank you for your ten-fold great grace, mercy, favor, wisdom, and tender loving-kindness.
Thank you for the ministries you have ordained by which you will be glorified through my life (name them)
Forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us, [name them]
And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.
I put on the belt of Truth, breastplate of Righteousness, my feet are shod with the preparation of the Gospel of Peace, and protect my mind with your helmet of Truth. I take the shield of Faith and Your Word, the sword of the spirit, to destroy the fiery darts of the wicked one. I plead the holy Blood of the Lamb and declare Your kingdom come, Your will be done over myself, (name family members, Christian family members, neighbors, past, present and future business and other associates)
Yours is the kingdom, the power and glory, forever and ever, Amen!