9: Although praying the exact words of the Lord’s prayer on occasion can be a good practice. However, it is evident by Jesus’s words that this is to be the ‘form’ guide for our prayers, but not always the exact words that we say.
At the very outset, then, we see the proper addressee of our prayers, God the Father. Though prayer directly to Jesus or the Holy Spirit is not wrong, it is not to be our normal practice. Jesus expects our prayers to be directed to the Father. Also, we are to be specific about God in our prayers. There must be no question that we are addressing the Almighty God of heaven. Many who say, ‘God bless America’ though uttering a prayer, have no intention of invoking the blessings of Almighty God. Instead, they are simply addressing the relativistic god of the masses. Such a person does not exist, and invoking his favor has no effect, as is evident by the state of our nation.
Finally, the name of God is to be glorified. We seldom forget to pray ‘in Jesus’ name’, but we often fail to praise and glorify the name of Almighty God in our prayers. It is just as important.
Daily Bible Reading: Psalm 119:1-85
Daily Memory Verse: Jude 1:8 “Likewise also these filthy dreamers defile the flesh, despise dominion, and speak evil of dignities.”
Daily Tidbit: ‘Hallowed’ means to be consecrated or sanctified.
Praise Journal: Heavenly Father, God Almighty, You are so important in our lives. Give us the clarity that we need in our way of thinking. Cause us to understand Your Holy Word as You intend it. I praise You for giving us Your Truth. May we always love Your precepts, and speak of Your thoughts. Desiring Your laws for our life will make all the difference. You are the greatest Author that we could look to. Your book is the answer to our questions. May we always look to it as our guide. Show us the paths to take. Lead us to glorify You in our lives, that our life may be worth living. I don’t want to waste my life missing You, Father. I want to spend it knowing You more. In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ I pray and praise You, Amen.
Prayer Journal Highlights: Pray for a lady who was in a car accident. Pray for a family that has lost two loved ones in the last year.
Personal Journal Entry #12188