The prayer you taught us

Oh, Lord, the prayer you taught us to pray covers the bases. We direct our hearts and thoughts to you as he who dwells in heaven and is the source of all that is good. Your relationship to us as Father determines how we regard every other relationship. The deep reverence for your name awakens in us a corresponding respect for all you have done, for the life you place in others, and for the purpose you have given us here on earth.

That purpose is wrapped up in the kingdom, in your powerful and gracious rule over mankind. May more and more people acknowledge you. Help us to work so that others may confess you.

When they do, they, like we, will fulfill your will. What we want is not important. We have so little basis for judging what is good and right and beneficial. Our emotions get in the way. Our desires drive us far from the ultimate good. We confess our limitations. We want what you want, O Lord. Make your will predominate, just as angels and spiritual beings do your will without question or doubt in the heavenly realms.

It’s a hard world down here, while all seems to go smoothly up there. We work hard, money is tight, budgets get out of control. We worry about paying bills, at the same time that we spend on unnecessary items. How we waste our resources! In all that material confusion and weakness, Father, help us to depend upon you to provide for our needs. You always have. We’ve never gone hungry. We’ve always had clothes to wear. Give us control of our income. Provide us with work of dignity and sufficiency.

How difficult it is to get along with others! People do and say so many stupid things. They offend us. They hurt us. They ruin relationships. Why shouldn’t we just break off and give up on trying to get along? As much as we long for close friendships and strong family ties, we close ourselves off to people because it demands so much of us. O God, help us to be forgiving of others’ wrongs and offenses, because you have forgiven us so much. And we want to forgive, so that we can be capable of receiving it from you.

Sin appears to be overwhelming. Temptation hits us at our weakest point, at the worst times. We all stumble so often. The struggle makes us want to let up on the resistance to sin. It’s tiresome! We are so aware of our weakness. Sometimes we feel like a sieve, because Satan gets through to us in so many places. Powerful God, raise up our defenses. Repel the father of lies. Keep him at bay. Make us strong and courageous. Remind us that we are on the side of victory. Replay the cross of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ in our minds constantly.

In that victory, may you be praised and glorified. Your wisdom is perfect. To your commandments there is no end of perfection. Your plan has no holes, no small print, no chance of failure. We are grateful to be recipients of your salvation, targets of your grace. Sweep us up in the train of Christ’s royal robes, that we might live eternally in your light. Your life is pure and sweet and joyful. You, O God, are one and only, true and living, the beginning and end.