Lovefast -2: On prayer
By Phil S from Mahabba's Network Team
Inspired by today's entry in 30 Days of Prayer, but with a UK twist!
Daily verse
“‘And when you pray, do not be like the hypocrites, for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the street corners to be seen by others. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full. But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you. And when you pray, do not keep on babbling like pagans, for they think they will be heard because of their many words. Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him.
‘This, then, is how you should pray:
‘“Our Father in heaven,
hallowed be your name,
your kingdom come,
your will be done,
on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us today our daily bread.
And forgive us our debts,
as we also have forgiven our debtors.
And lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from the evil one.”
For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.”
Thought for the day
On prayer
Jesus taught his disciples to pray. What we call the Lord’s Prayer, or the Family Prayer.
One of the most prayed prayers around the world.
It has been usefully re-framed as ‘four movements of the heart’ (see more in Brian McLaren’s book).
- Orientation (upward movement): Father in heaven; Name be hallowed
- Alignment (downward movement): Your Kingdom come; Will be done
- Empowerment (inward movement): Give us bread; Forgive our sins
- Engagement (outward movement): Lead not temptation; Deliver from evil
Why not find out more about the Thy Kingdom Come prayer campaign as a warm up?
Prayer for the day
Coming soon! [from Day 1]
Daily action
Watch the Thy Kingdom Come advert that was banned in cinemas.
Your turn
Let us know how it went! Leave a comment below, or tag us on social media with the #lovefast hashtag on social media. You can find us on Facebook and Twitter!