Dear Church of the Open Bible,
This past Sunday, we looked at Jesus’ response to His disciples wanting to learn how to pray (Luke 11:1-13). Jesus gave them a pattern of what to pray for: a desire for God’s glory and reign to be made manifest among them, and a desire for their daily needs to be met by Him (provision, forgiveness, spiritual protection).
But then Jesus goes on to describe how they should pray. They should pray like children with boldness, persistence, and the expectation that their heavenly Father delights to give them good gifts.
“If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will the heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!” - Luke 11:13
I challenged us to pray as Jesus instructed us, for us as a church this week. So here is a sample you could use:
“Father, hallowed be your name today. Let your kingdom come among us as a church. Give us what we need from you today for your name to be glorified and your kingdom to come. Forgive us when we sin, and because of that mercy, help us to be a church that is quick to forgive others. Protect us from giving in to temptation today.
Father, may your Holy Spirit work within us to produce the fruit of righteousness in our lives. Make us more loving, joyful, peaceful, and patient. Help us to be kind and good to others, faithful and gentle in our relationships. And give us self-control over our flesh. May all that we do today and throughout the week bring you glory and reveal your rule among us. Amen.”