The Lord’s Prayer serves as a regular component of corporate worship. Why do we regularly use this prayer? Simply put, Jesus taught his followers to pray this prayer. We avail ourselves regularly of the Lord’s Prayer because it instructs us: That prayer should always begin with adoration before it moves to petition. That prayer must … Continue reading Why do we pray the Lord’s Prayer regularly?
Lord’s Prayer
What specifically are we praying for when we say ‘Deliver Us from Evil?’
According to the Scriptures, there are seven evils from which we need deliverance: Disciples saw Jesus praying, and noticed the great difference between His prayers and theirs, so they requested to be taught how to pray. He alone can deliver us from evil. Said he to Moses: “I am come down to deliver them,” i.e., … Continue reading What specifically are we praying for when we say ‘Deliver Us from Evil?’
“Deliver Us from Evil”
This last petition of the Lord's prayer helps to create in us a healthy disillusionment with this world and a longing for the heavenly kingdom where Isaiah 11:9 will be a reality: "They will neither harm nor destroy on my holy mountain; for the earth will be full of the knowledge of the LORD, as … Continue reading “Deliver Us from Evil”
The Antidote for Anxious, Fearful Hearts
In corporate worship, we invest time in prayer. We do this because God commands us to seek Him in prayer. Prayer also serves as one of the main ways that we exercise our faith in His promises as well as an antidote for our anxious hearts (Luke 18:1; Philippians 4:6-7). Prayer is hard work and … Continue reading The Antidote for Anxious, Fearful Hearts
Unburdening Our Hearts with the Lord’s Prayer
Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name. . . . [Let us confess the ways that we have been infatuated with making our name great rather than our Father’s] Your kingdom come. Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. . . . [Let us confess the ways that we have pursued … Continue reading Unburdening Our Hearts with the Lord’s Prayer
Thielicke, Barth, and Cyprian – On the Lord’s Prayer
In the closing months of WWII, Helmut Thielicke preached on the Lord’s Prayer. He spoke words that ring true for us today: “In these fearful, fateful weeks many people appear to have become alienated from their faith in God: They begin to ask how He can ‘permit’ such things to happen. It would be better, … Continue reading Thielicke, Barth, and Cyprian – On the Lord’s Prayer
Prayer – Launching an Uprising Against the Disorder of our World
Karl Barth: “To fold one’s hands in prayer is the beginning of an uprising against the disorder of the world.” To begin an uprising…to turn the world upside down. In the closing months of WWII, Helmut Thielicke preached on the Lord’s Prayer. He spoke words that ring true for us today: “In these fearful, fateful … Continue reading Prayer – Launching an Uprising Against the Disorder of our World