Pray, then, in this way: ‘Our Father who is in heaven, hallowed be Your name.
Your kingdom come. Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors.
And do not lead us into temptation, but deliver us from evil. [For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.]’ Matthew 6:9-13
Jesus said we should pray knowing that God already is aware of our needs. He didn’t say ‘don’t pray’. He modeled the necessity and priority of prayer. So, why pray if it doesn’t bring anything new to God’s attention? Some say- ‘prayer doesn’t change God, it changes me’. Ok, I accept that to a degree, but its not altogether true. There is much evidence that God answers prayers. He granted Hezekiah extra years of life in response to Isaiah’s prayer: The Lord, the God of your father David, says, “I have heard your prayer. I have seen your tears. See, I will add fifteen years to your life. Isaiah 38. Perhaps like any parent, our Heavenly Father enjoys the conversation and is willing to impart insight, compassion and wisdom to the penitent and humble man of prayer. I would simply say as the apostle Paul wrote “pray without ceasing”. Why pray? Because Prayer Changes Things! Lots of Things.
Do I keep a written prayer list? How often do I pray? Am I resolved to do what God reveals to me in prayer?
God, as this day begins- I am feeling that there is much to discuss. There are many people and situations for which Your love, compassion, wisdom and power are necessary. I am looking forward to my freeway time today to simply hear from You about each. Thank you for the invitation and access afforded to me by the sacrificial life, death, and resurrection of Your dear Son, Jesus.
