Optimist’s Roundtable

By Martha Sykes

Probably no better place to write about prayer than when Jesus teaches the disciples how to pray. This can be found in the gospels of Matthew (chapter 6) and Luke(chapter 11).

Some say it could be called “The Disciples’ Prayer” as it is meant as a model prayer for those who follow Jesus.
“Our Father who art in Heaven” is telling us our allegiance is to God. He is our Father; He created us; He sustains us and gives us spiritual life.

“Hallowed be Thy name” where we acknowledge God is holy. In Isaiah 6:3, it says “Holy, Holy, Holy is the Lord of hosts; the whole earth is full of His glory.”

“Thy Kingdom come, Thy will be done, on earth as it is in Heaven” reminds us that we should want God’s plan and help to further His kingdom on earth. We need to share the good news.

“Give us this day our daily bread” tells us to live our lives depending on what God gives us.
Prayer is for the simple and present necessities of life, not luxuries, but what we need now.

“And forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us. Because we are believers in Jesus Christ, we are forgiven. It is easy to forgive others when we truly understand how much God has forgiven us.

“And lead us not into temptation”; this phrase is a request for God to guide us away from temptation and testing.

As believers, we realize God is in control every second of our lives, so we pray for God to guide our steps away from temptation and toward holiness.

“But deliver us from evil;” God is the only one who can protect us from evil. It is by His strength that we are able to stand against the world, the flesh, and the devil.

And the end is a perfect reminder of His kingdom where He is the power and the glory forever. AMEN