How to Pray

He said to them, “When you pray, say: ‘Father, hallowed be Your Name, Your kingdom come. Give us each ay our daily bread. Forgive us our sins, for we also forgive everyone who sins against us. And lead us not into temptation.” – (Luke 11:2-4, NIV)

Jesus said to the followers, “This is how you should pray: ‘Father, we pray that Your Name will always be kept holy. We pray that Your kingdom will come. Give us the food we need for each day. Forgive our sins, just as we forgive everyone who has done wrong to us. And don’t let us be tempted.” – (Luke 11:2-4, ERV)

So He said, “When you pray, say, Father, reveal who You are. Set the world right. Keep us alive with three square meals. Keep us forgiven with You and forgiving others. Keep us safe from ourselves and the Devil.” – (Luke 11:2-4, MSG)

Prayer is often a space where people feel stuck or lost. Jesus knew the struggle that people had and provided a basic framework so that we would know how to get started. First, there is an acknowledgement of who God is – He is holy, and we need to know and understand more and more of who He is and how He loves. Second, we are to ask Him to supply the things that we need. We must ask to be forgiven and extend forgiveness to others. For as we forgive, is the same way in which we will be forgiven. Lastly, we need protection from temptation – both within ourselves and beyond. God is faithful to meet us as we seek Him. He hears every prayer – both those spoken aloud and those which we whisper within our own heart and mind. May we ever seek the Lord in prayer and pursue the path which He has placed before us with purpose.

Most Holy Father,

Unto You we pray;

For as we seek You,

You show us Your way.

In love, You provide,

All things that we need;

For body and soul,

With kindness You lead.

Forgive us our sins,

Where we have lacked love;

Help us forgive too,

Let good rise above.

For all that You are,

And all that You do;

Help us to give thanks,

All praise unto You.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You do not need nor expect eloquent prayers, but rather You want us to be real with You and give You our gratitude and trust for who You are and how You love. Forgive us for the times that we neglect to pray and for the times that we only come to You with our laundry list of needs. Teach us to have a heart for prayer, as prayer is our heartfelt conversations with You. Show us how to love and pray for others. May many come into a lasting and prayer-filled relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we pray to You with grateful hearts that trust You in all things. Amen.

© Shannon Elizabeth Grabrick and Revelations in Writing, May 2011 – present

I call on You, my God, for You will answer me; turn Your ear to me and hear my prayer. – Psalm 17:6

Welcomed With Celebration

Wait for the Lord; be strong and courageous. Wait for the Lord. – (Psalm 27:14, HCSB)

Wait for the Lord’s help. Be strong and brave, and wait for the Lord’s help. – (Psalm 27:14, ERV)

Stay with God! Take heart. Don’t quit. I’ll say it again: Stay with God. – (Psalm 27:14, MSG)

Staying with God and waiting on Him is what we need to finish our race and enter into the glory of eternity with God. In our current series at church, Kingdom Come, yesterday’s message had a great analogy of how God welcomes us into His Kingdom. One of our pastors, who knew little about football, had attended her first Seahawks game the week prior. She took notice of new things and asked questions about what she was observing. As she was closing up her message on Matthew 6:1-13, one part of her analogy that she had observed at the game, challenged my thinking. She spoke of how each play was introduced by name with fireworks as they came into view from the tunnel. Her comment was that God celebrates and welcomes us in the same way. At first, I paused and thought, by name, sure, but fireworks? That is a big deal for one person. As I pondered, the first thing that came to mind was that though I do not deserve a big production, Jesus does. Jesus in me deserves all accolades. Then I considered things further. When we welcome a baby into the world, we celebrate with thanksgiving, gifts, and great cheer. God is our Father in Heaven, and He celebrates us in the same way. We are known and acknowledged with good things because we are His. May we ever seek the Lord, for He is our strength and where our courage comes from. He celebrates and acknowledges each of us by name, and with great celebration because we are His.

With celebration,

The Lord calls our name;

He ushers us in,

To goodness proclaimed.

His Kingdom is now,

And forevermore;

We’re meant to embrace,

And trust in the Lord.

For as we choose live,

Depending on Him;

He equips with strength,

To do as He did.

In Him we can live,

As is His intent;

To love each other,

With grace, enter in.

So, trust in the Lord,

Know you are enough;

Not for what you do,

But because He’s tough.

Strong to uphold us,

Grace that always loves;

Purveyor of peace,

All hope from above.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that as we wait on You, You show us who You are and that Your Kingdom is not only in Heaven, but is here and now as well. Thank You that You know us and call us by name, and that You celebrate us, not for what we do, but because we are Yours. Forgive us for the times that we fear that we are not enough or we lose heart in the waiting. Teach us again and again that our value is found in You because we are Yours, and that as we wait on You, You grant us strength and hope and help. Show us how to love one another as You created us to do. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we wait in trust for You in tough spaces, and praise You that we are known, loved and upheld by You, our Heavenly Father. Amen.

© Shannon Elizabeth Grabrick and Revelations in Writing, May 2011 – present

I will give thanks to You, Lord, with all my heart; I will tell of all Your wonderful deeds. – Psalm 9:1

Moving Mountains

God is faithful to answer

image by Kathy Weaver

as we pray and believe.

No grudge may we be holding,

nor selfishness to receive.

For our faith must be founded,

securely rooted in He;

the Granter of answers,

whom we must trustingly seek.

The heart behind our prayers,

our actual intent,

need to be for God’s glory,

as answers are heaven sent.

So rise up, filled with faith,

ask, and truly believe.

Trust that He will answer,

and be ready to receive.

Mark 11:22-24 – “Have faith in God,” Jesus answered.  “I tell you the truth, if anyone says to this mountain, ‘Go throw yourself into the sea,’ and does not doubt in his heart but believes that what he says will happen, it will be done for him.  Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.”

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You hear and receive our prayers.  Thank You that faith is not something that we have to muster on our own, but rather it is something that You supply, and it rises up as we spend time seeking You.  Forgive us for the prayers that are prayed with selfish motives, and help us to have a heart aligned with Yours.  May my every prayer offered, be to ultimately give You glory.  Lord Jesus, let Your Kingdom come and Your will be done, on earth, as it is in heaven.  May multitudes come to know Your Majesty through the mighty ways You are moving in and through our lives.  Amen.

© Shannon Elizabeth Moreno and Revelations in Writing, May 2011 – present