Understand the Lord's prayer

This... is how you should pray.
Matthew 6:9

When you pray "Our Father in Heaven" it establishes the basis of your relationship with God. He's not just your Creator He's your Father. You can create something and not be related to it, but if you father it - it will always be yours. Today you can come to God with the assurance that you're His. You can call Him Abba, a term of endearment which means Daddy (Romans 8:15).

"Hallowed be your name" means He's more than just your Father, He's your God. He's worthy of your love but He demands your respect. How should we approach God? With our complaints, our demands and our wish list? No: "Enter His gates with thanksgiving and His courts with praise; give thanks to Him" (Psalm 100:4 ). God delights in our praise every time!

"Your Kingdom come," the release of God's power. "Your will be done," the release of His purpose. "Give us today our daily bread," the release of His provisions. The things you lack and long for begin to flow into your life because now you've accessed His power, discovered His purpose for you and you're walking in it.

"Forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors." It's easier to forgive when you recall the things God has forgiven you for, and realise that your enemies can't stop Him from blessing you. Remembering God's goodness to you will give you the grace to forgive others, and even understand them!

"Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one" means we enter each day prepared for battle, promised victory, and protected against all of Satan's attacks. And that's why Jesus said, "This… is how you should pray."

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