I was thinking last night as I was praying and remembering when I read "A Purpose Driven Life" and all the other things I've been taught or read about praying and how it formed the way I pray. It's probably not a novel concept but it might help you pray in a more meaningful way as well. It's basically applying the Lord's Prayer model to your own prayers. Like this:
Our father in heaven, hallowed be your name
Praise God for who He is but try not to be all King James about it. Name a few things you experienced that day that really did remind you that there is a God and that He is glorious and cares for His creation.
Your kingdom come
Do you believe the end is near? So what does that require of you? What is your responsibility? Ask God to guide you as you play your part in the end days prophesies and seek to save the lost. Who is in your life that needs to see God? Who do you fear is not going to Heaven? Pray for boldness and for the Holy Spirit to guide you. Try not to say the same things more than 2-3 times a week unless you are genuinely passionate and active about saving a certain person.
Your will be done on earth as it is in Heaven
What is God's will for you on earth? Ask Him to reveal that to you. We know that Satan and his legion are running rampant on this Earth. Ask God to send angels to protect your friends and family so that they can resist darkness. Who do you feel is under attack and needs Heavenly help? Also focus on things you may be struggling with, not sure if God is speaking to you or not. Ask for clarity and boldness to do His will. This is also where I pray for the things people are asking me to pray for.
Give us this day our daily bread
Think about how much more than just our daily bread that we have. How can you share it? Are you taking it for granted. Who needs your help. Thank God daily for something specific that you really are grateful for, not just "thanks for everything you've given me." We have 2 running cars, a huge house, our health, more food than we can eat, fresh air, peace and sunshine. We are blessed. Pray for those who are suffering to have "daily bread" (like the people suffering in war-torn areas or the oppressed in poverty-stricken nations).
Forgive us our sins
Repent (not "forgive me of any sin I may have committed..may have, as if there's a chance you didn't sin today). Think of a few specific things (10 commandments and the 7 deadly sins are a good start). Ask God to reveal your weaknesses through the Holy Spirit and to help you to change. Ask Him to prepare you to use those shortcomings for His glory when you have come out on the other side. Thank Jesus for saving you and praise Him that the battle is won.
As we forgive those who sin against us
Having just thought about our own sins, it's easier to forgive others. Acknowledging that we have hurt others, ask God to help you come to a place of peace. Think of some scripture from Ephesians, Philippians and Corinthians about unity and peace.
Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one
More prayer for divine protection. Resistance. Ask the Holy Spirit to council and comfort you through each of your daily trials and to remind you of the people who have it worse and need to see God's love. How can you use the gifts and fruits of the spirit to council and comfort others?
For the kingdom, the power and the glory are yours forever
End the way you began, praising God for His greatness. Think about how amazing Heaven will be. Think about the power you've seen Him use in your life. Ask to see more of it. Ask Him to glorify himself in the lives of those you love, in our nation (be specific), in the entire world (be specific). Think about eternity. What is God's plan for eternity (the gospel is for everyone, it's His will that no man perish)?
Amen
I like to close thanking Him for the trinity in Jesus name.
If you have been blessed by this blog or would like to add some insight, please post it in the comments.
Originally Posted By Holly Moulder on February 8, 2014