The second part of Bill Hybels sermon describes the prayer that Jesus taught us to pray. The Lord’s Prayer is part of our liturgy and I always try to be mindful of words I am saying and to whom I am saying them. I do not want them to just be words that I’m supposed to say because it’s what comes next in the service. So, here is what Bill has to say about the Lord’s Prayer and how we should use it as a model for all prayers.
The greatest prayer begins with the words “Our Father.”
Never to forget who you are praying to. God is our Father if we’re his children through Jesus Christ. Don’t ever forget how he feels about you, his children. He couldn’t have greater love for you than he already has. Don’t forget who he is. He’s your Father, your Heavenly Father. And don’t forget who you are. You are his very own child—his son, his daughter. Know that God feels fatherly toward you today.
The next phrase says,“who art in heaven,”
God is sovereign and he is majestic and he is omnipotent and nothing is too difficult for him. He is the mountain mover. He is able. He is bigger than any problem you have. Fix your eyes on God’s ability, not on your mountain.
“Hallowed be thy name.”
Make sure that your prayers include worship. Don’t let your prayers degenerate into a grocery list for personal purposes. Always include a paragraph of praise.
“Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven.”
Have a submissive spirit. Say, “Lord, may your will be done first in my life. Your will be done in my life, my marriage, my family, my career, my ministry, with my money, with my body and in my relationships and in my church. May your will be done in my life and in others, the church, the nation, and the world.”
“Give us this day our daily bread.”
Jesus is saying, “Let your request be made known to God. Your little concerns, your big concerns—lay them out. Say, “Lord, I want to talk to you about these things. Sounds silly; I know they are small.” Or, “Lord, I want to talk to you about some things. They’re big. I need your help. I need a miracle.” Register your heart’s request with God. Don’t shrink back.
“Forgive us our debts as we forgive our debtors.”
Confess your sins in prayer. Grow. Make sure you’re not the obstacle. Receive forgiveness through prayer. Live with a forgiving spirit toward others.
“Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.”
Pray for protection from the evil one, for yourself, for loved ones, for this church, for me. Pray for protection from evil and victory over temptation.
“For thine is the kingdom, the power and the glory forever and ever.”
Maybe you began your prayer with worship: “Hallowed be thy name.” Now end it with more worship. “God, the kingdom is yours. The world is yours. The power in the world is yours. All the glory in the world is yours forever and ever. You’re a wonderful God.” And tell the Lord, “I can’t get over that I matter to you, and that you’ve opened up access for me to talk to you through prayer.”
“Amen.”
Let it be so. “May it be forever so.”
I’ve often wondered why Jesus said, “Lead us not into temptation.”
He knows that God cannot tempt us, so why does he ask in a way that it was possible.
I wonder if that line is suffering from a translation problem. Any Greek or Hebrew scholars out there?
That’s been one of my questions over the years as well. If God doesn’t actually tempt us, then why is the prayer worded (translated) that way?
See if this article helps.
http://www.allaboutprayer.org/lead-us-not-into-temptation-faq.htm
6:13 And do not lead us into temptation, 18 but deliver us from the evil one. 19
18 tn Or “into a time of testing.”
sn The request do not lead us into temptation is not to suggest God causes temptation, but is a rhetorical way to ask for his protection from sin.
KJV And
lead
(5661)us
not
into
temptation
_,but
deliver
(5663)us
from
evil
_:
GREEK kai
CONJmh
PRT-Neisenegkhv
(5661)
V-AAS-2Shmav
P-1APeiv
PREPpeirasmon
N-ASMalla
CONJrusai
(5663)
V-ADM-2Shmav
P-1APapo
PREPtou
T-GSMponhrou
A-GSM
peirasmos
peirasmov peirasmos
Pronunciation: pi-ras-mos’
Origin: from 3985
Reference: TDNT – 6:23,822
PrtSpch: noun masculine
In Greek: peirasmon 11, peirasmou 4, peirasmoiv 3, peirasmwn 1, peirasmw 1, peirasmov 1
In NET: temptation 8, trials 5, testing 4, trial 3, test 1
In AV: temptation 19, temptations 1, try 1
Count: 21
Definition: 1) an experiment, attempt, trial, proving
1a) trial, proving: the trial made of you by my bodily
condition, since condition served as to test the love of the
Galatians toward Paul (\\#Ga 4:14\\)
1b) the trial of man’s fidelity, integrity, virtue, constancy
1b1) an enticement to sin, temptation, whether arising from
the desires or from the outward circumstances
1b2) an internal temptation to sin
1b2a) of the temptation by which the devil sought to divert
Jesus the Messiah from his divine errand
1b3) of the condition of things, or a mental state, by which we
are enticed to sin, or to a lapse from the faith and
holiness
1b4) adversity, affliction, trouble: sent by God and serving to
test or prove one’s character, faith, holiness
1c) temptation (i.e. trial) of God by men
1c1) rebellion against God, by which his power and justice
are, as it were, put to the proof and challenged to show
themselves
——————————————————————————–
from 3985; a putting to proof (by experiment (of good), experience (of
evil), solicitation, discipline or provocation); by implication,
adversity:-temptation, X try.
see GREEK for 3985
Hope this helps.
Till about 3 months back, when I was a passionate Christian, I would have loved your post.
Just thought I would let you know!
–
Though I am a pantheist now.
Hey David.
Great post.
I love to ‘digest’ a snippet of the Word and see Him reveal even deeper.
For years I have taken this prayer and expanded and savored the fullness of what Jesus was saying when He gave it, similar to what this post suggests.
It has always felt more like an outline from which we by the Holy Spirit, are led in prayer and worship.
Bless you David, I pray all is well!
Great post, an excellent reminder.