Prayer: Part I

The "Model for Prayer" was given to the disciples (and to us) during Jesus' teachings in Galilee.  It can be found in two Gospels, written by Matthew and Luke. The first, recorded by Matthew is thought to have been shared with the disciples in Judea, and in Luke at the "Sermon on the Mount."

Examine both, as this has been more often identified as "The Lord's Prayer," and could just as appropriately be called, "The Model Prayer." The outline of thoughts both shifts and defines how Jesus taught the disciples to pray; and by example, how we ought to pray. Carefully study the format, cadence, parts and how the "sum of the parts" make the "whole" extremely instrumental; leading to a more successful prayer life with daily and fervent practice; with purpose.

The following are the two Gospel versions:

In Matthew 6: 9-13 (NIV)

"Our Father in Heaven,
  Hallowed be Your name,
  Your Kingdom come,
  Your will be done,
  On earth as it is in Heaven.
  Give us today our daily bread.
  And forgive us our debts,
  As we also have forgiven our debtors.
  And lead us not into temptation,
  But deliver us from the evil one."

Amen. (capitalization emphasis mine, "Amen." added)

and in Luke 11: 2-4 (NIV)

"Father,
  Hallowed be thy name,
  Your Kingdom come.
  Give us each day our daily bread. this day,
  Forgive us our sins,
  For we also forgive everyone who sins against us.
  And lead us not into temptation."

Amen. (capitalization emphasis mine, "Amen." added)

I purposely picked to write on the topic of Prayer this week. Two weeks ago Sunday, my Pastor called our congregation to pray, with purpose, for 21 days, consecutively; without fail.. Topics were sent via text message at 6:30 AM each morning. As of this writing, today is day thirteen. The question behind this "call to action," was the following:

"How many of you can honestly raise your hand, by personal acknowledgment, saying that you have prayed--with purpose--for 21 days straight?"

with the next question being:

"How do you think your life would change, if you prayed for the individual struggles within your life would change, if you made a commitment and completed successfully, 21 consecutive days in prayer; with purpose?" 

My personal experience-- and I would make the claim in faith--that the results of, and blessings following, will flow like raging waters for each and every person individually, and for those who we lift up in prayer.

While I will know only the results that I experience personally--which I should purposely share as a testament to others--the masses undoubtedly experience extraordinary blessings, that have the chance to flow exponentially in perpetuity, for generations to come.

That is the singular idea for this chapter. To give you arrows within your spiritual quiver, that you can use repeatedly and daily, to improve your prayer life, the prayer life of others you teach and to become a stronger person while allowing your prayer to also strengthen and provide extraordinary, exponential and perpetual blessings to those you love.

In Luke, it does not mention which of the disciples asked for Jesus to "teach us to pray, just as John taught his disciples" Luke 11:1.

How do you think your life would change; by examining your prayer life, asking God to teach YOU how to pray and fervently making it a habit in your daily life?