In Matthew 6:9–13, Jesus Christ presents us with an example of what our prayers should include. While reading it this last time, I was struck by the order of things in his prayer, and saw new meaning in his words.
Each versus says somethings I need to hear.
Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be they name (Matthew 6:9)
God is our Father. He is there, watching over me every day. I am to turn to him.
Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. (Matthew 6:10)
I must seek his will first. How many times have I poured out my heart in prayer, and then at the end remembered to add "Thy will be done". I don't think this is uncommon. Yet, Jesus shows us here, that it is important for me to seek His will first. That is the beginning step, not the the end.
Give us this day our daily abread. (Matthew 6:11)
I can rely on God to provide for my temporal and physical needs. As hard as I may work each day, he is the one that opens the doors to what I and my family need. Just as he provided for the children of Israel, who gathered manna each day, he will provide for me.
He is also wise enough to know that meeting my temporal and physical needs is an important part of my spiritual develop, and when that is hindered, so can much else.
And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. (Matthew 6:12)
God can only forgive me, as much as I forgive others. My ability to forgive others is a reflection of my heart – my becoming like Christ. So in prayer, I not only seek forgiveness for ourselves, but I seek to become like him – offering forgiveness to others.
The scriptures are full of examples of God's children coming to him, learning his Gospel, seeking forgiveness and then immediately thereafter praying for His other children. This is a sign of true conversion.
And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: (Matthew 6:13)
Protect me — Deliver me. Daily, I am in need of his spirit to guide me past obstacles, and for rescue when I falter.
For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen. (Matthew 6:13)
All this I, and know, and do is His. And there is no greater resource, no greater power, no greater opportunity than the one he gives us. And because of that, we can be happy, we can be strong, and we can help him to make the earth as it is in heaven.
Tags: Jesus Christ, Matthew 6, prayer, The Lord's Prayer
It's easy to think that the decisions we make every day don't have anything to do with others, but that is what I would call denial. We live in a community, and together we build its character. What I do and say has an impact. What you do and say, has an impact, too. Often we think, "That's not my problem." or "It doesn't affect me," but in reality we are all connected one way or the other.
If you don't believe me, pay attention to your reaction to the news. How do you feel about the good stuff you learned? How do you feel about the tragedy that took place?
Like the pebble that has been dropped in a pond, our decisions ripple out and touch the lives of others.
I was reminded of this as I listened to a colleage of mine speak to a small group of women this morning.
The challenge she issued was this: as you go about your day and you make choices, ask yourself, "if everyone did this, what would the world be like." This is just another way of issuing the golden rule. This rule, do unto others as you would have others do unto you, has been around for a long time. It is not about how people treat you, it is about how you treat others.
Recently in the news, they reported on the service rendered to a Fire Captain, by the people he works with. He was on leave due to surgery complications and couldn't get some things done around his house. Those needs were seen, and taken care of by his friends and colleagues.
What if everyone served this way? What would the world be like?
There is plenty of ugliness in the news as well. One night recently I heard the report of a stabbing. One teen stabbed another, causing death, over an iPod. What if everyone did this? What would the world be like? If that teen had asked that question? Thought about the effect on his life, would he make a different decision? Maybe two lives could have been saved, if that question had been asked.
What if we paid attention to the ripples we made and what evolved from it? Would we make the same decisions.
So, I issue the same challenge. As you go about your day and make decisions, ask yourself, "What if everyone did this? What would the world be like? What would my life be like?"
Tags: agency, good works, personal choice, service, the golden rule
There was a time in my life that all I could see is how often I fell, how often I messed up, and how imperfect I am. That discouragement dragged me further into the darkness, it did not help me, it wounded me even deeper. But then the moment came that I was able to say to my Heavenly Father, "I need you. I don't dare make promises I can't keep, but I need you. This is what I have to offer…" and he accepted all of me. That moment changed my life, as I realized he would take all that I am and make me a better person, because what I put on the alter was honest and true.
Helaman 5:12 likens the devil's attacks to mighty winds, hail, and storms with the intent of dragging us "down tot he gulf of misery and endless wo." That is exactly what he is doing. If he can convince you that there is no light to turn to, that you are worthless and that there is no way back, he will be happy.
To you who are surrounded by darkness, I would say, there is a way back and you must not give up.
Relief is available to all those who embrace the gospel of Jesus Christ. It takes work. It takes commitment. And it takes getting up each time you stumble. It is not associated with some external condition, it will take root in your heart and you will become stronger than you ever thought. The process of repentance is one that can create great change within, and on its path you will gain a cleaner, clearer, truer view of yourself, your God, and the world around you.
For those of you who feel sorrow, knowing that your decisions have affected the lives of others, I would remind you of Romans 8:28, "And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God." As someone who has been hurt, I can testify that God is there for me and is making things work together for my good and the good of others. The atonement of Jesus Christ is for ALL of us.
I encourage you to read the story of Alma and Alma the younger again and again. I believe their story was put in the scriptures so that we could not only see the atonement working in someone's life, but that even one who had caused great harm to others could be redeemed and used for the good of the people.
Tags: atonement, depression, relief, sin
Recent Comments