In the last six weeks or so I have been reflecting upon what has come to be known as the “Lord’s Prayer.” This is probably the best-known and most often-recited prayer in Christendom, and yet, it is a prayer that I seldom pray. Why is that? Perhaps I want my prayers to be original and do not want to use standard prayers that others have written. Or, perhaps I am afraid that frequent recitation of the Lord’s Prayer will lead to meaningless repetitions, which Jesus condemned (Mt. 6:7). Of course, a prayer need not become meaningless just because it is oft-repeated. And, surely I may assume that God appreciates a prayer that is thoughtfully pre-planned, especially one that our Lord told his followers to pray! (Lk. 11:2; Mt. 6:9)
My time in Matthew 6:9-13 has convinced me of the value of this prayer. One benefit is that I want and need our Father to answer the requests of this prayer. I want God to be respected and reverenced, for his sovereign rule to be established, and for his will to be done in my world. And, since it is “in him that we live and move and have our being” I desperately need him to supply my present necessities, forgive my failures, keep me from tests of faith which I am unprepared to pass, and protect me from a real and powerful enemy.
But, I have learned that there is another very significant benefit that comes when I immerse myself in this prayer. It centers me, focuses me, and at times, reorients me. To reorient oneself is “to find one’s position again in relation to one’s surroundings.” Do you ever need to find your position again in relation to your surroundings? I know I do!
I often need a reminder of who God is and to recommit myself to living in a way that demonstrates the respect and reverence that is due him.
I often need to be reminded that I live under and enjoy God’s reign, that he is my king, and that consequently, I am not the center of the universe.
I often need to re-focus on my purpose in life, which is to do my Father’s will, and not my own.
I frequently need the reminder that I am dependent upon God for life, that I need to trust him to provide what I need for now, and that I should be thankful for his gracious provision.
I frequently need to recall that I stand in constant need of God’s mercy and that I must show the same mercy to others.
And, I often need to be reminded that in certain situations I am spiritually-weak, that I need God to defend and protect me, and that the evil one is real and powerful.
What I have learned is that one of the most significant reasons to pray is not that my prayers change God, but that they change me.
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