The Lord’s Prayer and the Bible

When I wrote the initial conclusion to this study of the Lord’s Prayer, the Sermon on the Mount, and Matthew’s Gospel I never intended on revisiting the writings for any reason other than for basic editing. Over the past few weeks, however, I’ve come to realize that something was missing; I left something out. As… Continue reading The Lord’s Prayer and the Bible

Conclusion: Lord, Teach Us to Pray

A long time ago — some two thousand years now — an unnamed student dared to make a request of his teacher. This student had seen his teacher engaged in prayer many times, in fact, he had most likely heard him pray as well, but on this day that student was not satisfied with merely… Continue reading Conclusion: Lord, Teach Us to Pray

The Lord’s Prayer as a Preface to Bible Study

Often when I read the Bible I am at a loss as to how to prepare my heart. Many of my prayers are something as simple as “open my eyes” or something like that. Such a prayer is certainly an acceptable approach to reading the Bible, but there are times when I want to express… Continue reading The Lord’s Prayer as a Preface to Bible Study

The Lord’s Prayer: Reflection X

The Lord’s Prayer with Emphasis Placed on “For yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.” This tenth reflection looks through the lens of the Father’s eternally powerful and glorious kingdom to see the many facets of the Lord’s Prayer as we meditate and approach our heavenly Father in prayer. Our… Continue reading The Lord’s Prayer: Reflection X

The Lord’s Prayer: Reflection IX

The Lord’s Prayer with Emphasis Placed on “But deliver us from evil.” This ninth reflection on the Lord’s Prayer focuses our thoughts on the truth that only the Father can deliver us from evil and the many ways it infiltrates our lives. Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name. – We praise you, Father,… Continue reading The Lord’s Prayer: Reflection IX

The Lord’s Prayer: Reflection VIII

The Lord’s Prayer with Emphasis Placed on “Lead us not into temptation.” This eighth reflection on the Lord’s Prayer redirects our eyes to the path the Father would have us travel rather than the path we plot when guided by the temptations arising from our sin-filled hearts. Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name.… Continue reading The Lord’s Prayer: Reflection VIII

The Lord’s Prayer: Reflection VII

The Lord’s Prayer with Emphasis Placed on “As we ourselves also have forgiven our debtors.” This seventh reflection on the Lord’s Prayer shifts our focus to the forgiveness we offer others in the light of the Father’s immeasurable love shown to us through his forgiveness of our sins. Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your… Continue reading The Lord’s Prayer: Reflection VII

The Lord’s Prayer: Reflection VI

The Lord’s Prayer with Emphasis Placed on “And forgive us our debts.” This sixth reflection on the Lord’s Prayer turns our eyes toward the Father’s immeasurable love and how he has forgiven us for our sins. Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name. – All praise to you, Father, for even though your divine… Continue reading The Lord’s Prayer: Reflection VI

The Lord’s Prayer: Reflection V

The Lord’s Prayer with Emphasis Placed on “Give us this day our daily bread.” This fifth reflection on the Lord’s Prayer turns our eyes toward the Father and how he provides for our every material and spiritual need. Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name. – Your name, Father, is great and to be… Continue reading The Lord’s Prayer: Reflection V

The Lord’s Prayer: Reflection IV

The Lord’s Prayer with Emphasis Placed on “On earth as it is in heaven” This fourth reflection on the Lord’s Prayer turns our focus toward the Father’s active involvement in this present world and this present time. Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name. – We praise you, Father, that you are not passively… Continue reading The Lord’s Prayer: Reflection IV