When the disciples watched Jesus pray, they felt He was getting through. They were so moved by His prayer habits they asked Him to teach them.
What Jesus gave them was a model to steer us into prayers that God hears. When we follow Christ's words we are praying in the Spirit. And when we pray in the Spirit we are always in touch with God. No matter how weak we may feel, no matter how distant God may seem, He is instantly accessible. He has no busy signals, no offline problems and certainly no overload situations.
Our Father: WE ARE RELATED: PRAYER IS BUILT ON OUR SHARED RELATIONSHIP TO GOD.
In heaven: WE ARE PRESENT: PRAYER REACHES TO GOD'S PRESENCE IN HEAVEN.
Hallowed be Your name: WE ARE REVERENT: PRAYER LEADS US TO WORSHIP.
Your kingdom come: WE ARE SUBJECT: PRAYER SEEKS GOD'S RULE.
Your will be done On earth as it is in heaven: WE ARE COMPLIANT: PRAYER SEEKS GOD'S WILL.
Give us day by day our daily bread: WE ARE DEPENDENT: PRAYER TRUSTS GOD'S PROVISION.
For we also forgive everyone who is indebted to us: WE ARE COMPASSIONATE: PRAYER DEMANDS WE BE FORGIVING.
For we also forgive everyone who is indebted to us: WE ARE REPENTANT: PRAYER IS BASED ON THE CROSS OF JESUS WE ARE COMPASSIONATE: PRAYER DEMANDS WE BE FORGIVING.
And do not lead us into temptation: WE ARE CAREFUL: PRAYER TRUSTS GOD'S CARE.
But deliver us from the evil one: WE ARE CONFIDENT: PRAYER KNOWS GOD HAS SET US FREE.
Taken from "Praying Like Jesus Said" by Discover the Book Ministries (used by permission).
