Matthew 6:9-13 After this manner therefore pray ye: 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.

As I said yesterday one f the examples given to us by Jesus in how to pray is here in Matthew 9. The first thing he declared was for us to pray in this manner. Not to use these exact words but as an outline for prayer.

What we often overlook is the issue of prayer is a privilege. We are privileged to be able to pray to God because of our relationship. Our Father is more than a directive clause, it recognizes privilege in relationship. He is our Father God.

Proverbs 15:29 The Lord is far from the wicked: but he heareth the prayer of the righteous.

He hears our prayers because we are in right relationship with Him. Not by works, by grace, by faith in Christ, having receive Him in our hearts. I say this because we so often take prayer for granted and forget just how privileged we are to be given the right to pray.

One reason Jesus gave us a form for prayer was to respect order and content. The first four points should be clear in our minds as intent of prayer. Who do we address? What Is He to us? Give Him respect. Recognize His authority. Submit to His will.

So often our prayers begin, “Help!”

Don’t blame God if the devil answers that prayer.