Remember a few years back, when a Christian book shot to the top of the bestseller charts, called The Prayer of Jabez? It seemed like everyone was reading it. I never read that one, but a book I am reading which has revolutionized my prayer life is The Prayer of Jesus by Hank Hanegraaff.
Our Father, which 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 trespasses
As we forgive those who trespass against us
Lead us not into temptation
But deliver us from evil
For Thine is the kingdom, and the power
And the glory forever
Amen.
These twelve lines are not just a mantra to repeat, but outline a pattern of instruction in prayer to follow, which Hank’s book helped me to understand and implement.
My intimacy with the Lord has deepened as a result, first because I think the Lord is pleased when we obey Him. Jesus did say, “Pray, then, in this way” when introducing this prayer (Mat 6:5-15). But also because following Jesus’ pattern puts the Lord in His place and I in mine. He is the Father, I am His child. He is the Creator, I am the creature. He is the Potter, I am the clay. Worship is a natural result. We must humble ourselves to worship our Creator, and the Lord draws near to us as we draw near to Him. His tangible presence nourishes us, heals us, transforms us, guides us, and empowers us to face the day ahead. But not alone. Not alone!
continued in letting go, letting God
the first real petition: Hallowed be Thy name. We are to view Him as holy – keep His name and word and works honored. R.C. Sproul Sr., in his book, The Holiness of God, really expounds upon the holiness of God. The books changed my view completely of what holiness means.
I am so glad you are blogging here! I look forward to reading your thoughts.
Warmly,
Kate
Amen!
What a gracious God we have.
That He would give us the perfect words to pray.
Thank you for the book recommendation.
Donna
This book should be read by EVERYONE who read the Prayer of Jabez!!!