The Lord's "prayer" is just the beginning

For what purpose were we put here on earth? Why does mankind exist? Well, if you are a Christ follower, then the answers to these questions must be specific and pointed. We are here to glorify God and enjoy Him forever. How then, does the Lord's Prayer help us fulfill this grand purpose? First, we need to consider that the Lord's "prayer" is much more than just a guide on how to pray. The Lord's "prayer" is a guide on how to live.

Last week I was able to get away from day to day life and here a presentation by Dr. Steve Childers on the Lord's Prayer. Actually, it was my second time to hear this presentation. I am convinced that Childers is on to something. The prayer begins... "Our Father who is in heaven, hallowed be Thy Name, Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven..."

The way Jesus starts this prayer obviously should orient our prayer life. We worship/hallow God's name. We pray for the coming of the kingdom and that God's will would be done here on earth. It is a prayer for redemption! This is a great way to pray. It is a worthy endeavor to center your prayer life around the Lord's Prayer.

But, we shouldn't limit this to only our prayer life. That is only the beginning. Think of it this way: what good is prayer unless it transforms your life? Thy WILL goes much further than prayer. If the mission of life is to glorify and enjoy God, then my LIFE needs to be in concert with God's will. We pray that we would be delivered from temptation. We pray for forgiveness to to reign among us. We pray for our daily bread. All of these things are prayers that support a LIFE that is built on glorifying God. "Lord, keep evil away so that Your name will be hallowed in my life." "Lord, I trust You to provide for my needs while I seek first your kingdom." "Father, give me the strength to forgive and restore broken relationships, knowing that is Your will."

I ask you to consider two things...first, use the Lord's Prayer as a devotional guide for a month. Elaborate on each statement for worship, against temptation, for forgiveness, for confession, and to cast your daily needs upon God. Second, LIVE the prayer. Watch God transform your life through prayer.