Tuesday, August 18, 2020

Reflection - Spiritual Habits - The Lord's Prayer

Source (book): "Growing Old Gracefully", Following Jesus to the End, PART II: SPIRITUAL HABITS, Chapter 11, "Discovering the Secrets of Prayer", Question 1, Page 71.
By Robert M. Solomon, Bishop of the Methodist Church in Singapore from 2000 - 2012


Meditate on the Lord's Prayer.
PHOTO: Meditate on the Lord's Prayer. Pray it slowly, phrase by phrase, pausing in between phrases, and adding your own words.
Before Jesus Christ died He taught His disciples how to pray...He told them that they should pray;

Our father who art in heaven
hallowed be thy name
thy kingdom come
thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven
give us this day our daily bread and forgive us our transpasses
as we  forgive those who transpass against us
and lead us not into temptation
but deliver us from evil.
For thy is the kingdom, the power, and the Glory, now and forever.
Amen.

In teaching His disciples the Lord's Prayer (or the Disciple's Prayer, as some prefer to call it), Jesus highlighted the multiple facets of our relationship with God. We begin with our relationship to God as His children (Our Father). Then, the prayer reminds us of the King and His subjects (Your kingdom come), the Master and His servants (Your will be done). Then, in turn, it deals with the relationship between the Benefactor and the beggar (Give us today our daily bread), the Saviour and the sinner (Forgive us), the Guide and the pilgrim (Lead us not into temptation), and the Defender and the helpless (Deliver us from evil).


Why is the Lord's Prayer a deep lesson on our manifold relationship with God?
The Lord's Prayer reveals to us that prayer is an expression of our relationship with God, and by praying, our relationship with Him grows. We learn to walk with God as we talk with Him. The language we use in prayer should be the language of love, as we thank God for His abiding love, entrust ourselves to Him, tell Him how much we love Him, and experience His presence daily.


Which part of the Prayer have you neglected the most?
The part of the Lord's Prayer (traditional version) that I have neglected the most: "forgive us our transpasses as we forgive those who transpass against us" (Matthew 6:12).

It is difficult to forgive others just as God forgives us. There is a lingering unforgiving streak in us. Forgiving others is not as easy as begging forgiveness for ourselves. But our forgiveness from God is intimately tied to how we extend forgiveness to others. If we are not forgiving of others, we should not expect to receive forgiveness (Matthew 6:14-15). God has forgiven each of us so much, and if we cannot learn from that experience and feel merciful and forgiving to others, then the mercies we have received will fade away.


How can you rectify that?
Turn our attention to God for help. Although prayer is meant to be a loving relationship with God, we are also encourage to ask. In John 14:13, "And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son." As we pray, sometimes things may change timely, as according to our requests. Sometime things don't change the way we would like it to be because God knows of other better ways. But one thing is sure. As we pray, we will be changed. For God's love change us. Change us to become Christlike, to become more forgiving and loving - to successfully overcome our unforgiving streak.

God wants us to be just as forgiving as He is. May God help us to forgive, that we, too, may be forgiven!
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In a Peanuts cartoon, Charlie Brown is kneeling beside his bed for prayer. Suddenly, he stops and says to Lucy, "I think I've made a new theological discovery, a real breakthrough. If you hold your hands upside down, you get the opposite of what you pray for."


Charlie Brown says to Lucy
PHOTO: Charlie Brown says to Lucy, "I think I've made a new theological discovery, a real breakthrough. If you hold your hands upside down, you get the opposite of what you pray for."
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We smile knowingly, for often people have the wrong idea of prayer. They turn it into a spiritual technique to make things happen, to get what they want. It was to dispel such notions that Jesus told His disciples not to find a model of prayer among the pagans, who "think they will be heard because of their many words" (Matthew 6:7), Neither were the disciples to look for a model among the Pharisees, who specialised in making prayer a matter of theatrics.


Jesus told His disciples not to find a model of prayer among the pagans
PHOTO: Jesus told His disciples not to find a model of prayer among the pagans, who "think they will be heard because of their many words" (Matthew 6:7), Neither were the disciples to look for a model among the Pharisees, who specialised in making prayer a matter of theatrics.
Picture posted by hearthymn.com on 27 February 2019
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The disciples approached Jesus with the request, "Lord, teach us to pray" (Luke 11:1). Who better than Jesus to teach us about prayer? He was praying when the disciples approached Him. He prayed often and regularly; even on the cross He prayed to His Father. Jesus told His disciples that prayer was neither spiritual theatre nor spiritual technique. Rather, it is a living and growing relationship.


Meditate on the Lord's Prayer. Pray it slowly, phrase by phrase, pausing in between phrases, and adding your own words. Why is the Lord's Prayer a deep lesson on our manifold relationship with God? Which part of the Prayer have you neglected the most, and how can you rectify that?

Meditate on the Lord's Prayer. Pray it slowly, phrase by phrase, pausing in between phrases, and adding your own words.
Before Jesus Christ died He taught His disciples how to pray...He told them that they should pray;

Our father who art in heaven
hallowed be thy name
thy kingdom come
thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven
give us this day our daily bread and forgive us our transpasses
as we  forgive those who transpass against us
and lead us not into temptation
but deliver us from evil.
For thy is the kingdom, the power, and the Glory, now and forever.
Amen. [4]
 

Before Jesus Christ died He taught His disciples how to pray...
PHOTO: Before Jesus Christ died He taught His disciples how to pray...
Picture posted by Tina 
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https://www.pinterest.com/pin/350154939775940126/


In teaching His disciples the Lord's Prayer (or the Disciple's Prayer, as some prefer to call it), Jesus highlighted the multiple facets of our relationship with God. We begin with our relationship to God as His children (Our Father). Then, the prayer reminds us of the King and His subjects (Your kingdom come), the Master and His servants (Your will be done). Then, in turn, it deals with the relationship between the Benefactor and the beggar (Give us today our daily bread), the Saviour and the sinner (Forgive us), the Guide and the pilgrim (Lead us not into temptation), and the Defender and the helpless (Deliver us from evil). [1]
 

In teaching His disciples the Lord's Prayer, Jesus highlighted the multiple facets of our relationship with God.
PHOTO: In teaching His disciples the Lord's Prayer, Jesus highlighted the multiple facets of our relationship with God. We begin with our relationship to God as His children (Our Father). Then, the prayer reminds us of the King and His subjects (Your kingdom come), the Master and His servants (Your will be done). Then, in turn, it deals with the relationship between the Benefactor and the beggar (Give us today our daily bread), the Saviour and the sinner (Forgive us), the Guide and the pilgrim (Lead us not into temptation), and the Defender and the helpless (Deliver us from evil).
Picture posted by altusfineart.com
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https://i.pinimg.com/564x/87/b7/42/87b7424eb0af15226c6d088ffe335e3e.jpg
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/457185799675649613/


Why is the Lord's Prayer a deep lesson on our manifold relationship with God? [1]
The Lord's Prayer reveals to us that prayer is an expression of our relationship with God, and by praying, our relationship with Him grows. We learn to walk with God as we talk with Him. The language we use in prayer should be the language of love, as we thank God for His abiding love, entrust ourselves to Him, tell Him how much we love Him, and experience His presence daily.


The Lord's Prayer reveals to us that prayer is an expression of our relationship with God, and by praying, our relationship with Him grows.
PHOTO: The Lord's Prayer reveals to us that prayer is an expression of our relationship with God, and by praying, our relationship with Him grows. We learn to walk with God as we talk with Him. The language we use in prayer should be the language of love, as we thank God for His abiding love, entrust ourselves to Him, tell Him how much we love Him, and experience His presence daily.
Picture posted by artdigitales.com
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http://www.artdigitales.com/croire-un-tres-bon-site-qui-explique-a117465120


Which part of the Prayer have you neglected the most?
The part of the Lord's Prayer (traditional version) [3] that I have neglected the most: "forgive us our transpasses as we forgive those who transpass against us" (Matthew 6:12).


Which part of the Prayer have you neglected the most?
PHOTO: Which part of the Prayer have you neglected the most?
The part of the Lord's Prayer (traditional version) that I have neglected the most: "forgive us our transpasses as we forgive those who transpass against us" (Matthew 6:12).
Picture posted by Desi Allevato on 11 September 2018 - The Book of Common Prayer
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj93E04wFuTg6SPWujSnYavphge4y_i5LteVG3qZHlK9nF9Ke1XM2TMZwEaFJ0jkzKwJBHBafMNtHqKSEIeNDhtp9LTS_7KqzSpVYknHhE1O7baOGBXyLlWn03Ev7fDfiIZPJrLNvAYHIQ/s1600/Lords-Prayer-1024x1024.jpg
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https://www.growchristians.org/2018/09/11/save-us-from-the-time-of-trial/


It is difficult to forgive others just as God forgives us. There is a lingering unforgiving streak in us. Forgiving others is not as easy as begging forgiveness for ourselves. But our forgiveness from God is intimately tied to how we extend forgiveness to others. If we are not forgiving of others, we should not expect to receive forgiveness (Matthew 6:14-15). God has forgiven each of us so much, and if we cannot learn from that experience and feel merciful and forgiving to others, then the mercies we have received will fade away.


It is difficult to forgive others just as God forgives us.
PHOTO: It is difficult to forgive others just as God forgives us. There is a lingering unforgiving streak in us. Forgiving others is not as easy as begging forgiveness for ourselves.
Picture posted by Shutterstock
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Our forgiveness from God is intimately tied to how we extend forgiveness to others.
PHOTO: Our forgiveness from God is intimately tied to how we extend forgiveness to others. If we are not forgiving of others, we should not expect to receive forgiveness (Matthew 6:14-15).
Picture posted by Catholic Daily Reading on Tuesday, 18 August 2020
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https://catholicreadings.org/if-you-forgive-others-their-transgressions/


How can you rectify that?
Turn our attention to God for help. Although prayer is meant to be a loving relationship with God, we are also encourage to ask. In John 14:13, "And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son." As we pray, sometimes things may change timely, as according to our requests. Sometime things don't change the way we would like it to be because God knows of other better ways. But one thing is sure. As we pray, we will be changed. For God's love change us. [1] Change us to become Christlike, to become more forgiving and loving - to successfully overcome our unforgiving streak.

God wants us to be just as forgiving as He is. May God help us to forgive, that we, too, may be forgiven!


Turn our attention to God for help.
PHOTO: Turn our attention to God for help. God wants us to be just as forgiving as He is. May God help us to forgive, that we, too, may be forgiven!
Picture posted by Gif Abyss
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Dear Lord
Dear Lord
PHOTO: "Dear Lord, we learn from Jesus that prayer is neither spiritual theatre nor spiritual technique. Rather, it is a living and growing relationship.

In teaching His disciples the Lord's Prayer, Jesus highlighted the multiple facets of our relationship with God. We begin with our relationship to God as His children (Our Father). Then, the prayer reminds us of the King and His subjects (Your kingdom come), the Master and His servants (Your will be done). Then, in turn, it deals with the relationship between the Benefactor and the beggar (Give us today our daily bread), the Saviour and the sinner (Forgive us), the Guide and the pilgrim (Lead us not into temptation), and the Defender and the helpless (Deliver us from evil).

Please help us to remember that the Lord's Prayer reveals to us that prayer is an expression of our relationship with God, and by praying, our relationship with Him grows. We learn to walk with God as we talk with Him. The language we use in prayer should be the language of love, as we thank God for His abiding love, entrust ourselves to Him, tell Him how much we love Him, and experience His presence daily.

The part of the Lord's Prayer that I have neglected the most is the ‘forgive us our transpasses as we forgive those who transpass against us’ It is difficult to forgive others just as God forgives us. Forgiving others is not as easy as begging forgiveness for ourselves. But our forgiveness from God is intimately tied to how we extend forgiveness to others.

Lord, You have forgiven each of us so much, and if we cannot learn from that experience and feel merciful and forgiving to others, then the mercies we have received will fade away. Please help us to overcome this problem.

We learn that sometimes things may not change timely, as according to our requests, because You know of other better ways. But one thing is sure. As we pray, we will be changed. For Your love change us. Help to change us to become Christlike, to become more forgiving and loving, and to successfully overcome our unforgiving streak.

May God help us to forgive, that we, too, may be forgiven!

Through Lord Jesus Christ we pray. Amen!"
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Reflection - Spiritual Habits - The Lord's Prayer
Source (book): "Growing Old Gracefully", Following Jesus to the End, PART II: SPIRITUAL HABITS, Chapter 11, "Discovering the Secrets of Prayer", Question 1, Page 71.
By Robert M. Solomon, Bishop of the Methodist Church in Singapore from 2000 - 2012





Also from the same author, Robert M. Solomon

"Faithful to the end", A Preacher's Exposition of 2 Timothy, @ 2014 by Robert M. Solomon

'Faithful to the end', A Preacher's Exposition of 2 Timothy, @ 2014 by Robert M. Solomon<br>
Reflection - Faithful to the end (Links)
https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2017/06/reflection-faithful-to-end-links.html


"Finding rest for the soul" Responding to Jesus' Invitation in Matthew 11:28-29, © 2016 by Robert M. Solomon

Reflection - Finding rest for the soul (Links)
Reflection - Finding rest for the soul (Links)
https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2018/10/reflection-finding-rest-for-soul-links.html


"God in Pursuit" Lessons from the Book of Jonah, © 2016 by Robert M. Solomon

'Reflection - God in Pursuit (Links) - PART I-III, posted on Saturday, 10 August 2019
Reflection - God in Pursuit (Links) - PART I-III, posted on Saturday, 10 August 2019
https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2019/08/reflection-god-in-pursuit-links-part-i.html


"God in Pursuit" Lessons from the Book of Jonah, © 2016 by Robert M. Solomon

'Reflection - God in Pursuit (Links) - PART IV, posted on Saturday, 10 August 2019
Reflection - God in Pursuit (Links) - PART IV, posted on Saturday, 10 August 2019
https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2019/08/reflection-god-in-pursuit-links-part-iv.html 


"Songs of Christmas", The Stories and Significance of 20 Well-Loved Carols, © 2018 by Robert M. Solomon

Reflection - Songs of Christmas (Links), posted on Friday, 24 April 2020
Reflection - Songs of Christmas (Links), posted on Friday, 24 April 2020
https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2020/04/reflection-songs-of-christmas-links.html
Reference
[1] From "Growing Old Gracefully", Following Jesus to the End, Copyright © 2019 by Robert M. Solomon, ISBN 978-981-14-1836-5, PART II: SPIRITUAL HABITS, Chapter 11, "Discovering the Secrets of Prayer", Page 67-71.

[2] Orthodox Christian Parenting, On the Lord’s Prayer: And Forgive Us Our Trespasses As We Forgive Those Who Trespass Against Us, https://orthodoxchristianparenting.wordpress.com/2016/04/02/on-the-lords-prayer-and-forgive-us-our-trespasses-as-we-forgive-those-who-trespass-against-us/

[3] Desi Allevato, Save Us From the Time of Trial, posted on 11 September 2018,  https://www.growchristians.org/2018/09/11/save-us-from-the-time-of-trial/

[4]  Ezekiel Minja, How to pray, posted on Monday, 08 December 2014 at 9:32 am, http://nextsco.blogspot.com/2014/12/how-to-pray.html


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