ISAIAH 62 Prayer Letter

Wednesday, January 27, 2016

 

The Power of the Lord’s Prayer – Part 1

Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.
Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread.
And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.
And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.
                                                                        Matthew 6:9-13 (KJV)

As the Apostle Paul so candidly admits, we often do not know how to pray as we should (Romans 8:26). Paul says the Holy Spirit provides believers with guidance on how to approach God and what specifically to seek in our prayers. Jesus also gave us some very valuable insights in what we call “The Lord’s Prayer.”

This beloved prayer is both majestic and humbling – pointing us toward the greatness of God and conceding our own everyday dependence on Him. It carries great power, including in its ability to unite Christians in diverse places and across denominational and generational lines around certain common goals and beliefs.

This unifying power of The Lord’s Prayer was demonstrated when Pope John Paul II made a Millennial pilgrimage to Israel in March 2000. Seeking to bring the various bishops and prelates of Jerusalem together for an ecumenical service in Manger Square in Bethlehem, so many doctrinal differences existed among the historic churches over Communion and other rites, that the only thing they could all agree upon was a service built around the Pater Noster, the “Our Father” prayer offered by Christ.

Indeed, the basic meaning and thrust of the “Lord’s Prayer” has been universally understood by all. Although there are slight variations in this prayer within various church liturgies, it still has the power to unite us all around three central aims and truths.

First, approach God with great awe and respect, but also as a loving Father. He is the Almighty, and His name is “hallowed.” Yet we can also come to Him as children, thankfully seeking His goodness and favour. Prayer always begins with praise and worship to the Father!

Second, focus on what God wants, not what we seek for ourselves. Our priorities in prayer, as in life, should be in context with God’s will and purposes and the building of His kingdom. To emphasize this truth, Jesus said in Matthew 6:33: “But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.”

Lastly, conclude with petitions which relate to ourselves and a humble acknowledgement of the human condition. We are mortal and in need of daily sustenance; all good things which sustain our lives are provided by God. When we pray, we should not ask for more than we need, nor should we accept lack. As Proverbs 30:8 says: “Give me neither poverty nor riches — Feed me with the food allotted to me.”

In addition, we are sinners in constant need of forgiveness, to be in right relationship with God and with our fellow man. Sin separates us from God and creates divisions and wounds among us, and repentance is always the answer. The pardon provided by Jesus on the cross allows us to stand uprightly before the Father, and to forgive others when they do us wrong.

 If the Lord is not guarding over our lives we are easy prey for temptation and evil, easily ‘devoured’ if His hedge were removed. But no matter what we face, God is trustworthy to always lead us in paths of righteousness. As the Psalmist prayed: “Direct my steps by Your word, and let no iniquity have dominion over me.” (Psalm 119:133)

One final thought on the Lord’s Prayer. It is interesting to note that King David offered up a prayer in 1 Chronicles 29:10-19 which is very similar in pattern and content. Here, David praises the greatness of “our Father,” gives priority to His kingdom and purposes, and then asks for his son Solomon to always have a loyal heart towards God. So this passage too can serve as a model for our own prayers to the Lord.

May the Holy Spirit ever guide your prayers,

 

David Parsons

ICEJ Media Director (on Sabbatical)

 

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The next day of prayer and fasting in our Isaiah 62 Global Prayer Campaign will be on Wednesday, January 27, 2016. Please join us!

Pray with us according to the following guidelines:

1.  Israel

- Thank God for keeping all His promises so far to restore the Jewish people to their ancient promised land and for protecting the nation of Israel through its many modern-day trials and testings. Pray with Isaiah 43:1-7.

- Pray that Israel would be given due respect as a small democratic country living among many hostile neighbors in a very turbulent region, rather than being the target of unfair boycotts and double standards in the international arena. Pray with Psalm 35.

- Pray that the Netanyahu government would enjoy unity in its ranks and would know how to repair and maintain ties with its most important allies. Pray with Psalm 133.

- Pray for a swift and complete end to the spate of Palestinian terror attacks now plaguing the nation of Israel. Pray that Palestinian leaders would be held duly accountable for their role in fomenting the current wave of violence. Pray with Psalm 124.

2.  Middle East

 

- Thank God for His sovereignty over the nations and that nothing can happen in the Middle East region outside of His will and purposes. Pray with Isaiah 55:8-9.

- Pray for peace to finally prevail in Syria, including the departure of the oppressive Assad regime as well as the sound defeat of ISIS and other radical Islamic militias operating in the war-torn country. Pray for Turkey, Russia, the United States and other key players to finally find a peaceful solution in Syria along these same lines. Pray with Jeremiah 18:7-8 and Proverbs 21:3.

- Pray also for protection of our Christian brothers and sisters living throughout the region, as well as for boldness of the local Christian leaders to speak out about their dire situation. Pray that the faithful witness of Middle East Christians in the face of persecution would impact many lives for Christ. Pray with Ephesians 6:10-12.

- Finally, pray that Iran’s quest for nuclear weapons will be completely halted in its tracks and that its radical Islamic regime would be replaced by one that respects democracy, human rights and the rule of law. Pray with Proverbs 24:24-25.

3.  ICEJ ministry

- Thank God for His faithfulness and provision to the International Christian Embassy Jerusalem over these many years. Pray with Psalm105:1-4.

- Pray for wisdom and guidance for the leadership. Pray with Proverbs 2:6.

- Pray for our finances and the resources to be full and overflowing for every good work. Pray with Philippians 4:19.

 

- And please pray for Dr. Juergen Buehler, our Executive Director, that he will recover fully and speedily from major surgery. Pray for the glory of God and the testimony of Jesus to be released through this medical challenge. Pray with Psalm 103:2-4.