How to Pray
By Jovenmarlo A. Imperio, Founding Director: Global Frontiers Institute — Center for Excellence in Education and Community Development. Founder/Owner: SLA ONLINE, POAGFI ONLINE, and ECS300 OPEN UNIVERSITY SYSTEM.
The Lord's Prayer, also known as the "Our Father," is more than a rote recitation; it's a profound teaching on prayer from Jesus Christ himself. It provides a framework for connecting with God, expressing our needs, and fostering a deeper relationship with our Creator. Understanding its ten essential elements unlocks a more meaningful and effective prayer life. We can encapsulate these essentials within the acronym "TRUST IN GOD":
This article will delve into these ten essentials, drawing from the rich tapestry of the "Our Father," to guide you on how to pray more effectively.
T - Thy Kingdom Come: This petition transcends personal desires. It's a plea for God's will to be done on earth as it is in heaven. It's about yearning for a world transformed by justice, peace, love, and righteousness – a world reflecting God's perfect reign. It's about actively participating in bringing about God's kingdom through our actions and choices.
R - Revere God's Name: This isn't simply about uttering the name "God" or "Father"; it's about recognizing and respecting God's holiness, power, and authority. It's about living a life that reflects the reverence we hold for Him in our hearts. Our actions should align with our words, demonstrating the deep respect we have for God's name.
U - Understanding God's Will ("Your will be done"): This is a crucial element of surrender. We acknowledge God's sovereignty and wisdom, recognizing that His plan is far greater than our own. This isn't passive resignation; it's an active choice to align our lives with God's purpose, seeking His guidance in all that we do.
S - Spiritual Sustenance ("Give us this day our daily bread"): This isn't just about physical sustenance; it encompasses all our needs – spiritual, emotional, and material. It's a recognition of our dependence on God for everything we have and everything we need. It cultivates a spirit of gratitude and trust in His provision for all aspects of our lives.
T - Trespasses and Forgiveness ("Forgive us our debts"): We all fall short. This petition acknowledges our imperfections and seeks God's mercy and forgiveness. It underscores the importance of humility and repentance. It's a crucial step in maintaining a clean conscience and a right relationship with God.
I - Into Temptation, Lead Us Not: We are vulnerable to temptation. This petition acknowledges our weakness and seeks God's protection and guidance. It's a plea for strength to resist evil and remain steadfast in our faith, relying on God's power to overcome temptation.
N - Nourishment of the Soul: Linked to "daily bread," this emphasizes the need for spiritual nourishment through prayer, scripture, and communion with God. It's about actively seeking to grow in our faith and deepen our relationship with God.
G - Guidance and Protection ("But deliver us from evil"): This is a prayer for protection from the forces of darkness, both spiritual and physical. It's a recognition of the ongoing battle between good and evil and a reliance on God's power to overcome adversity. It's about seeking God's guidance and protection in all circumstances.
O - Our Father: The prayer begins by establishing our relationship with God. "Our Father" signifies intimacy, trust, and a recognition of God's loving paternal care. This isn't a distant, impersonal deity; it's a Father who deeply cares for each of His children. This foundational understanding shapes the entire prayer.
D - Deliverance from Evil: This petition seeks God's intervention and protection from the forces of evil that threaten us. It is a recognition of our need for God's help to overcome challenges and difficulties in our lives.
The Lord's Prayer isn't a magic formula; it's a guide. By understanding and applying these ten essentials, encapsulated in "TRUST IN GOD," we can cultivate a deeper, more meaningful prayer life, drawing closer to God and experiencing His transformative power in our lives. Remember, prayer is a conversation, not a monologue. Listen for God's response, and allow Him to shape your heart and direct your path.