Today we are starting our week in the Lord's prayer.
Prayer has become a lot of different things over the history of the church, and indeed it has become a lot of other things in our personal lives.
I clearly remember my first times praying in Front of people some 30 years ago and not wanting to slip up. I tried my hardest to get the words just right so that 1. I wouldn't make a fool of myself, and 2. I might look good.
I also remember the not-so-distant past when I have thought roughly the same thought.
As simple as it is, we can complicate prayer far more than need be.
Today, in the sermon on the mount, we are reminded how simple prayer not only can be but how simple prayer must be.
Our father wants us to talk to him, and he has done everything to make talking with him as easy as possible.
Sometimes we need to go back to the Lord's prayer and remember what prayer is all about.
Everything we need in a prayer list is right here in this passage.
We will hear each section of the Lord's prayer as we reflect, including an expanded prayer. After praying, take a few moments to sit with the Lord's prayer section. Perhaps write out a thought or pray aloud to your father in heaven.
After we get through this exercise, we will take a moment to hear what God wants to speak to us in response.
Our Father, Holy Father, Abba Father, in the heavens,
Hallowed, holy, sacred be your name.
From the rising of the sun to the going down of the same,
The name of the Lord is to be praised.
Great is the Lord and greatly to be praised.
Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God of hosts,
The whole earth is full of your glory.
Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God almighty,
Who was and is and is to come.
Thy kingdom come, thy will be done,
On earth, as it is in heaven.
Thy government come, thy politics be done,
On earth, as it is in heaven.
Thy reign and rule come, thy plans and purposes be done,
On earth, as it is in heaven.
May we be in anticipation of the age to come.
May we embody the reign of Christ here and now.
Give us day by day our daily bread.
Provide for the poor among us.
As we seek first your kingdom and your justice,
May all we need be provided for us.
Forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us.
Forgive us our sins as we forgive those who sin against us.
Forgive us our debts as we forgive our debtors.
Transform us by the Holy Spirit into a forgiving community of forgiven sinners.
Lead us not into trouble, trial, tribulation or temptation.
Be mindful of our frame, we are just dust,
We can only take so much.
Lead us out of the wilderness into the promised land that flows with milk and honey,
Lead us out of the badlands into resurrection country.
Deliver us from evil and the evil one.
Save us from satan, the accuser and adversary.
So that every tongue that rises against us in accusation you will condemn.
So that every fiery dart of the wicked one is extinguished by the shield of faith.
So that as we submit to you and resist the devil, the devil flees.
So that as we draw near to Jesus Christ lifted up,
His cross becomes for us the center, the very core of love expressed in forgiveness, the only true hope of the world;
And the devil, who become the false ruler of the fallen world,
Is driven out from among us.
For thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory, forever.
Amen.


Music: Salt Of The Sound - In Prayer (Used with Permission) 

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