Today, I want to write about our Heavenly Father.

A few years ago, I attended this workshop on prayer and it taught us how to pray the Word of God. One of the topics that we discussed is relevant to what  I want to share today, The Lord’s Prayer.

In Matthew 6, Jesus does not just give us a words to pray but a clear way on how to pray. It also, most importantly, demonstrates who the real Father is.

Prayer is powerful, it can have real effects and bring real change in the world. Prayer changes us by bringing us closer to the will and character of God.

There are six parts to the Lord’s prayer (Matthew 6:9-13)

The Father’s Character
Our Father in heaven, Your name be honored as holy.

Praise God for who He is, and that He has allowed to have an intimate relationship with Him.

The Father’s Kingdom
Your kingdom come, your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.

Pray for God’s rule in the world and that we may submit more fully to His will so we can glorify His kingdom.

The Father’s Provision
Give us today our daily bread.

We should pray for our continual dependence and His provision in all circumstances.

The Father’s Forgiveness
And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors.

Since God has forgiven us so must we forgive those who have wronged us. Praying that we should show the same grace and mercy.

The Father’s Guidance
And do not bring us into temptation.

Ask God for strength and wisdom to put on the full armor of God against the evil of this world, and to not let us conform to the ways of this world.

The Father’s Protection
But deliver us from the evil one.

The enemy’s desire is to lead us astray. Acknowledge both the evil in the world and our need for the Father to turn us away from it.

Like I said above, prayer works! Use this prayer in every aspect of your life. Pray one side each day or pray around every side and see where the Holy Spirit prompts you to stop. Let God’s character, kingdom, provision, forgiveness, guidance and protection consume you.