Between the Lines

SEPTEMBER 16, 2020

By David Chang, Director of Ministry Support

Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name

Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven

Give us this day our daily bread

And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors 

Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil

For Thine is the kingdom, and the power, and glory forever, Amen

A while back I learned that I can think of the Lord’s Prayer as an outline for prayer, a guide for a deeper conversation with God. I’ve been doing this for a while now, and it has helped my talk-story time with God. Let’s walk through this together, so that you can see how it works. 

Our Father who art in heaven

  • God, I am amazed that although You created the entire universe, You consider me Your child. Despite all my shortcomings, You are willing to be identified as my Dad. You are not ashamed of me. You approve of me. You like me.

Hallowed be Thy name

  • God, You are hallowed, holy. This reminds me that You are completely good. There is no evil in You. Your only motive toward me is love. Your only agenda for me is to care for me. You only want the best for me.

Thy Kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth and in heaven

  • God, I know Your kingdom is all about love, care, justice, healing, mercy, compassion, and so much more. Help me to be all about these in my thoughts and feelings. Help me to be these with my family, my neighbors, and my workplace. Show me where I need more of Your kingdom in my life.

  • Be open to ideas, feelings, impressions. Trust that the Holy Spirit is guiding your conversation into these areas.

Give us this day our daily bread

  • God, thank You for reminding that everything comes from You––my food, my finances, my family. Please provide for me what I need today. 

  • Think about what’s coming up in your day (home tasks, work tasks, meetings, appointments). Trust that the Holy Spirit is guiding you to tell God what you are concerned about. 

And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors 

  • God, bring to mind those areas that I have screwed up. Please forgive me. Help me to not screw up again. Help me to forgive myself. 

  • God, show me where I haven’t forgiven someone who has hurt me. Help me to forgive them. Just as Jesus forgave those that nailed Him to the cross, help me to forgive.

Lead us not in temptation, but deliver us from evil

  • God, help me when I’m being tempted. Help me to know that I can choose not to sin and that You will help me to resist. 

  • Think about areas that you’re wrestling with. Trust that the Holy Spirit is guiding you to a way out.

For Thine is the Kingdom, the power and the glory forever, Amen

  • God, thanks for reminding that this is Your Kingdom, not mine. You are in charge. You are responsible, not me.

  • You have all the power, not me. There is nothing You can’t or won’t do for my good.

  • You get all the glory, not me. You get all the credit, not me.

My encouragement to you is to try this out. My prayer is that you will trust the Holy Spirit to guide your conversation with God.

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