The lord’s prayer

The lord’s prayer

1. All Israel prayed together at The Hour or Prayer. Those far away spread their prayer mats and prayed facing Jerusalem while those nearby went to the outer court of the temple and prayed after the morning and evening sacrifice, as the incense was being burnt in the Holy Place.

2. The Jews prayed to El Elohim, El Shaddai, Jehovah Jireh, Almighty, a Holy and therefore a distant God. Yeshua introduced him to us as our Father which made it relational, that requires accountability and obedience.

3. Jews prayed for the reign of Yahweh in Eratz Israel, the Land of Israel but Yeshua expanded it to His ‘Kingdom on earth’. Our prayers and proclamation should result in visible micro and macro societal changes, that lead to preparing the earth for His Millennial rule.Rev. 20:1-7

4. Give us this day our daily bread: Yeshua is the bread of life but half the world goes to bed without bread, literally and spiritually. The first indicator of Kingdom is that everyone has enough bread, “I was hungry and you gave me food” for the Father has provided for everyone’s need but not for wasteful greed. Breaking bread from house to house is the secret of daily addition to the Kingdom.

5. Jews prayed for the forgiveness of their sins but Yeshua taught us that forgiving the sins of our enemies will bring reconciliation with their Maker and bring synergy to the daily advance of his kingdom. Math. 5:23,24

6. Martin Luther said, ‘More work is done by prayer than by work itself’. We can reduce our workload by increasing our prayerload. Prayerlessness leads to temptations, bad decisions and compromises.

7. The disciples did not ask Him to teach them how to cast out demons, cure diseases, raise the dead, feed the 5000 or stop the wind and the waves, but rather they asked Him to teach them how to pray. They knew that He had daily fellowship and communion with the Father. (Luke 11:1)

8. Prayer is talk time with the Father where He does the talking (‘Thus says the Lord’ - 414 times in KJV) while we listen. Prayer is not a one way monologue but a communion with the Father. Too many Christians shout loudly with contorted faces like the heathen. Yeshua He forbade vain repetitions. The “Lord’s Prayer” is only a model, not to be recited like a mantra. (Matt. 6:7)

9. The Hebrew word Tefila for prayer, means to judge or decide. Prayer is a time of reflection and self-judgment. Proseuchomai (Greek for prayer) includes making a vow (covenant). When we pray, “Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth” we are making a concious decision (covenant) with God to bring His kingdom on earth.

10. How is His will done in heaven? In swift obedience!  Remember the words of Mary to the servants at Cana’s wedding, ‘Whatever He says to you, Do it!’ and the miracle happened! No obedience - No miracle!

11. Father or Abba means ‘source and sustainer’. He not only knows your needs but also the needs of the whole creation, including all the myriad creatures. (Matt. 6:26)

12. It is corporate intercession, asking the whole creation to hallow (worship) our Father. Kingdom prayer is the whole creation praising God. (Matt 6:9; Phil. 2:10,11)

13. Yours is the kingdom, the power and the glory. This is acknowledging in faith, that His Kingdom is here on earth.