The Lord's Prayer
EIBC Devotional #13 - “The Lord’s Prayer”
Emerald Isle Baptist Church
Pastor Zach Emory
Scripture - Philippians 4:6-7 6 Do not worry about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. 7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Paul promises us that the result of our prayer life is peace which will guard us. The peace he describes passes our understanding; it is a deep contentment that penetrates our very souls. We are guarded against any feelings of anxiety or despair because of our hope in Christ Jesus. Paul urges us to not only bring our requests to God but to do so in a spirit of thanksgiving, remembering the good things God has already provided for His children. Sometimes we might wonder, “How do I pray?” The disciples had the same question, and Jesus taught them the Lord’s Prayer in Matthew 6:9-13. This week, we will explore the components of that prayer and the value of reciting it when we don’t have our own words. That prayer connects us to millions of Christians around the world who are uttering the same words. We trust that God will answer our requests in His Way, Wisdom, and Timing. When God doesn’t offer healing, He still provides comfort. When God doesn’t remove obstacles, He still provides the strength to endure them. We trust that our prayers connect us to God and others even if they are not answered in the ways we expect. Remember to thank God daily for all of His goodness, and bring all of your concerns before Him as a child would a parent.
Questions for Reflection
What have you been praying about lately?
How might you deepen your prayer life to connect with God on a greater level?
Prayer - Our Father, Who is in Heaven. Holy is 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 of our sins as we forgive those who sin against us. Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For Yours is the Kingdom, the Power, and the Glory, forever. Amen.