This, then, is how you should pray (Matthew 6:9, NIV)
(A recent prayer)
Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name (Matthew 6:9). This is the day that you have made; let us rejoice and be glad in it (Psalm 188:24 ESV).
Lord, it is Sunday morning, and I’m getting ready to go to church to worship you. I am grateful for yesterday’s events and look forward to what you have in store for me today. Here I am, Lord. Use me.
As you already know, I am vying for the senior club championship this afternoon. As much as I’d like to win, I want to honor you with my behavior in victory or defeat. But while we’re on the subject, do you have any insight into how I’ll finish? That might remove some of the anxiety I’m feeling.
Argh! I’m sorry, Lord. I know that’s not how we’re supposed to pray, yet here I find myself again. Instead of asking for your kingdom to come and your will to be done (Matthew 6:10 NIV), I’m focused on me and my interests.
I’m pretty` sure senior club championships weren’t what your son Jesus had in mind when he said, “Ask, and it will be given to you” (Matthew 7:7) and “How much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him” (Matthew 7:11).
Back to you, Lord. I am grateful for my church, whose mission is to make it “on earth as it is heaven,” which, as you know, is taken straight from your (the Lord’s) Prayer (Matthew 6:10).
Speaking of “on earth,” thank you again for another stable report from MD Anderson regarding Susan’s health. We’re thankful for the facility in The Woodlands, which allows us to make a day trip for testing rather than spending nights in Houston away from home.
By the way, we had Chicken Salad Chick on the way home, and that concept is legit! Who knew you could build a restaurant chain around chicken salad?
Argh! What is that, Lord? Why is it so hard to dedicate a few minutes to praise you without getting distracted? Is it just me, Lord?
Argh!!! Now, I feel like the Pharisee comparing himself to the tax collector (Luke 18). Geez, can I stop thinking about myself for one minute?
I apologize, Lord. I had good intentions, but this is going differently than I planned.
Deep breath. OK. Let’s give it one more go.
God, have mercy on me, a sinner (Luke 18:13). Though we are called to be perfect as you are perfect (Matthew 5:48), I continue to fall short and miss the mark, but I’m trying!
Thank you for your gift of grace and for being a loving Father to whom I can turn in any situation. I’m done fumbling for the right words to say, so I’m heading to church to take my eyes off of me and fix them squarely on you.
Until next time, Lord, thank you.
Amen
Prayer: Lord, your (not my) kingdom come. Your (not my) will be done. On earth as it is in heaven.