The Lord’s Prayer in Matthew 6:9-13 is preceded by a verse that I think may be missed by many who read this passage on prayer. I didn’t missed it this morning. The words had a profound impact on me.
I often pray the Lord’s Prayer as I begin my day with the Lord. Today, Matthew 6 is the chapter I’m on as I make my way through this Gospel. So when I got to this portion, I knew it by heart. However, these same words that have obviously penetrated my heart before because I have a date penned in by them from September 2017, penetrated my heart again this morning.
“Your Father knows what you need before you ask him.”
Friends, tears rolled down my face as relief escaped from my heart. He already knew what I needed! Yet, the Bible also tells us to bring all our requests to God. So I did even when He already knew what those would be and what I would need from Him.
Do you know what happens when we humbly bow before God, share our requests with thanksgiving? We receive comfort, peace, and strength. Our physical tension begins to release. Our minds begin to clear. Our hearts become lighter. We can receive what our Father has to say to us. We can receive His direction knowing He knows what we need.
Today, please join me in praying the Lord’s Prayer, but let’s remember that our Father already knows what we need. Let’s 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 Thine is the Kingdom, the Power, and the Glory forever. Amen.
Scripture:
Matthew 6:8b – Your Father knows what you need before you ask him.
Philippians 4:6 – Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.
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