The Lord's Prayer

"Our Father in Heaven hallowed by your name, you 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."--Matthew 6:9-15 "Father, hallowed by your name, you kingdom come. Give us each day our daily bread. Forgive us our sins, for we also forgive everyone who sins against us. And lead us not into temptation."--Luke 11:2-9 Matthew and Luke gave accounts of what Jesus said concerning prayer. In Matthew's account, Jesus teaches that we should pray like those who are hypocrites because of their show of outward prayer, but rather pray in secret and he or she shall be rewarded openly. What Jesus meant was that prayer is not to be taken lightly. It is a serious, deep, spiritual conversation between a believer and the Lord. In prayer, you are talking about not just your needs, but your secrets and your fears. God wants us to openly share with Him and talk to him. We are to reverance, or show respect to, the Lord in our prayers. The prayers begin with our Father because we are addressing ourselves to Him, our God, our Heavenly Father. In Luke's account after he teaches the disciples how to pray He gives them a parable about a man who is in need of bread from a friend. Jesus' message is to "Ask, seek, and knock" For those ask receives, for those who seeks will find, and for those who knock the door will be opened. He gives this parable to teach them to pray in faith and never give up. Keep in mind that God will answer prayer, but one has not because they don't ask according to His will. If we ask anything in His name, He will do it.-- New Testament verses paraphrased. God is a generous God who loves us, His Children. He will give good gifts and not evil to His children.--Luke11:13-14 paraphrased. The third commandment according to Exodus 20 states, "You shall not misuse the name of the Lord your God, for the Lord will not hold anyone guiltless who misuses His name." It is apparent that God takes his name seriously and that he is a Jealous God; He is not to be mocked. He is to be honored and revered. He will return and He will rule someday. He is God. He is Lord. Whatever God's will is on earth, the same will be in Heaven. His promises are sure and true. Daily he will provide for us so that we won't have to worry about what we need. God can do it. Not only does God forgive us, he also expect us to forgives others for if "we do not forgive men their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins." "For thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever, amen. God is worthy of praise for He is the Lord, Deliverer, and Savior. Jesus overcame the evil one and one day, death and the enemy will be destroyed. Praise Him.