How should we 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. 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 yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory for ever. Amen.

 This passage records what is commonly know as ‘The Lord’s Prayer’. This prayer forms a beautiful pattern for us to follow in our own individual prayer times with God. It covers all the major aspects of our relationship with him.

Our Father in heaven
First come to God addressing him as your father. Thank him for his fatherhood and worship him, as your Lord and saviour.

Hallowed be your name
God is holy and every name of God is an expression of his holy and awesome nature. Use the names of God as a basis of worship and praise. E.g. Jehovah Tsidkenu (Jeremiah 23:6) ‘The lord is our righteousness’. Jehovah Rohi (Psalm 23:1) ‘The Lord is my Shepherd’. There are many more to discover in God’s word.

Your kingdom come, your will be done on earth as it is in heaven
This is an opportunity to pray for God’s will to be done in your life, in the church, in the city, the nation and in the world. Intercede for others before yourself.

Give us today our daily bread
Thank God for his provision of your every need and trust in his promises.

Forgive us our debts as we also have forgiven our debtors.
Use this as an opportunity to confess any known sin. Forgive any who have hurt, offended or sinned against you in any way. Hold no bitterness in your heart.

And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.
Ensure that there is no foothold for the enemy in your life. Thank God for his protection.

For yours is the kingdom, and the power and the glory, for ever. Amen.
Finish by praising God for all who he is and all he has done. Lift him high on the throne of your life.