“And when you pray, do not heap up empty phrases as the Gentiles do, for they think that they will be heard for their many words. Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him.” Matthew 6:7-8 ESV
Our God heard the one word prayer. It reads, “He knows what you need before you ask”. That is a very personal God. Do you know what you need? He does. This is followed by the Lord’s Prayer. Consider the personal needs covered in this prayer.
“Pray then like this: “Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name. Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.” Matthew 6:9-13 ESV
He knows we need our daily bread. Bread is a symbol for God’s provision in our lives. Bread has often represented the provision of both physical and spiritual needs. For more about our need for “daily” bread check out https://www.biblestudytools.com/bible-study/topical-studies/why-does-jesus-tell-us-to-pray-for-our-daily-bread.html
After thinking about it, we truly need all those things Jesus mentioned in that prayer…
We need to honor our Father, for he is Holy, blessed be the name of the Lord. We must never forget that. We need his kingdom to come, and his will be done on earth. Where would we be without his will being done on earth? We need his daily bread. We also need his forgiveness. We need hearts to forgive. Lastly, we need to be delivered from evil.
God may I never take your name in vain, may your name be kept holy in my heart and mind. May your Kingdom come and will be done Lord, in my life, through your church and by your mercy and grace. Give us Lord what we need, you are the bread of life. Forgive us and lead us to forgive others. Deliver us from evil. Amen
