I didn't have to read far to find it in the Model Prayer.
"Pray, then in this way,
Our Father who art in heaven,
Hallowed be Thy name.
Thy kingdom come.
Thy will be done,
On earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread.
And forgive us our debts,as we forgive our debtors.
And do not lead us into temptation,but deliver us from evil.
For Thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory forever.
Amen." Matthew 6:9-13 nasb
As I read those words, it became abundantly clear that "I" am not the focus. It's our Heavenly Father. Thy name. Thy kingdom. Thy will. Thy provision. Thy forgiveness.
The only thing about "me" in the model prayer is my hunger and my sin.
It's a game changer when you want to whine.
Maybe you, like me, are in a season of long days, hard work, and unrelenting warfare. Maybe you're in a season of sorrow or pain. Maybe you're just tired and cranky.
Whatever the situation, the way to relieve our whining is to pray as Jesus prayed, taking the focus off ourselves and firmly on the One who keeps the stars in the heavens and the planets rotating around the sun. He's the One who has a plan for our welfare and not for calamity. The One who has plans for our future and our hope.
Our Lord, God Almighty.
There's a song that sums it up pretty well:
"Turn your eyes upon Jesus.
Look full in His wonderful face.
And the things of earth will grow strangely dim
in the light of His glory and grace."
(Helen H. Lemmel, 1922, public domain)
Those words are as true now as they were when Helen Lemmel wrote them 94 years ago. When the things of this world press down and wear away at us, let us turn our focus to Christ. All those cares and concerns will pale in comparison to the precious love of Jesus.
Take heart, dear ones. He has not only overcome the world, He has overcome all the heartache and trouble of our lives, as well.
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In case you missed it, here's the link to yesterday's post: Heavenly Perfection
#Jesus
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