When You Pray, Pray Like This

The daily news bombards us with the questions of resources – do we have what we need to get us through the present crisis? Will we have enough to sustain us? At the same time our confidence and hope are at risk as we become isolated from one of our best resources, the gift of one another that surrounds us in community. At such times it is easy to lose sight or be forgetful of the resources that have sustained God's people in their daily need through the centuries.

From the get-go Jesus' disciples had enough wisdom to know that they did not have the resources to make it through on their own. As they journeyed with Jesus on the way into a future that was very unsure, they came to Jesus and pleaded, "Lord, teach us to pray." And Jesus did not disappoint them. "When you pray, pray like this, "Our Father...." (Luke 11:1ff)

From earliest days Christians have known the poor of prayer, and of that prayer in particular. They have also had the wisdom to know that in times of stress or uncertainty it is so easy to forget the familiar and best of our resources, the power of prayer, and its reminder that God dwells with us each day with the promise, "Ask and you will receive..." And so they trusted in the power of prayer; but they also knew that daily ritual could help them remember.

Their instruction and their rhythm?

Pray the "Our Father..." at least three times each day. In the morning, when you rise to begin the day. At midday, when you are surrounded by the days concerns and frustrations. in the evening, at close of day, when you are invited to entrust the past day, and the concerns of the one to come, into the hands of a gracious and loving father.

In the midst of our present day concerns, perhaps we might do well to recover some of the riches of that practice, and in so doing, also be reminded that even before we pray, God is present and ready to answer our prayer.

– Jim Boyce

"Give us today our daily bread." 

God hears us and stands ready to supply us today with everything that we need to sustain life.

"Do not lead us into a time of trial."

Lord, the stresses of this day seem more than I can bear. Do not lead me into a time of testing, when I would be led into times of despair and loss of hope.

"Deliver me from the evil one." 

Gracious God, there are powers of evil and death at play in our world that are beyond my strength to cope. Let your power keep such evil at bay. Sustain me with your grace.

PRAYER:

Gracious God, in the very real needs of this day, don't let me forget your presence and your promise to dwell near. Teach me again to pray to you as a dear Father. Sustain me with your power and your hope for the living of this day. Amen