LIGHT WORD

LightWord: “And forgive us … as we forgive…” Matthew 6:12 Jesus said while praying we should Repent and respond. “And forgive us … as we forgive...” What are you holding onto that you need to lay down? Is there anything you need to confess right now? Maybe it’s a hurt you can’t let go of. A behavior you’re struggling to change, an addiction you haven’t conquered, or a mistake you keep making. God invites you to come as you are, and respond to Him. Tell him whatever is on your mind, then create space to hear from Him. Say this to yourself: Father, I confess that I'm a sinner and ready to change my ways, forgive me Oh Lord of all my sins, help me and make me whole in Jesus' name. Amen!

LightWord: “Give us today the food we need …” Matthew 6:11 The third thing to do in applying Jesus' prayer to our daily lives is to Release your concerns. “Give us today the food we need…” Imagine holding your hands out in front of you, as if you want God to put something in them. As you give God your concerns, what does He give you in return? List your concerns, and say them one at a time. Each time you voice a concern, try asking God to, “give us this day our daily bread.” Sit with this exercise for as long as you need. Say this to yourself: Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, in Your capacity there are no limitations, therefore, give me today (...name it...) , and I shall testify of Your wonders in Jesus' name. Amen!

LightWord: “Your kingdom come …” Matthew 6:10 After refocusing your mind on God in His ability and capability, then, the second thing according to Jesus's prayer is to: Realign your will. “Your kingdom come …” God has always been in the process of carrying out His will on earth. So right now, reflect on this: when you align your will with God’s will, you are actively seeking His Kingdom. Quiet any noise around you, and ask God to show you how you can take part in doing His will today. Say this to yourself: Father in the name of Jesus Christ, I confess that Your will is my will, help me to do Your will Lord. Amen!

LightWord: “Our Father in heaven, holy is Your Name …” Matthew 6:9 Here’s a six (6) step guide to prayer that can help: first, Refocus on God. “Our Father in heaven, holy is Your Name …” Inhale deeply and focus on these words: “Our Father in heaven.” Slowly exhale as you say: “Holy is Your name.” Repeat this several times, by so doing, you are in awe, worshiping, and adoring God, then, pay attention to any aspects of God’s character that come to mind. Spend this time focusing on how great God is. Say this to yourself: My Father and my God, I worship Your holy name, how great You are in Jesus' name. Amen!

LightWord: “when you pray, pray to your Father in private…” Matthew 6:6 If God already knows what we need, then prayer isn’t simply about the words we say. If we’re praying to impress people, or if we’re treating prayer like a box to check, then we’re missing out on the power of prayer. Prayer is, and always will be, a dynamic conversation with our Father (God).  When we realize this, the Lord’s Prayer becomes a freeing framework that helps us talk to God every day. Say this to yourself: My Father in heaven, I bless You for helping me realize through Your Son Jesus Christ, how close I can be to You through prayer in Jesus' name. Amen!

LightWord: “...Lord, teach us to pray.” Luke 11:1 Jesus' prayer to the disciples according to Matthew 6:9-13 is now a famous example on how to pray. But how do we apply it to our everyday lives especially in this 21st-century? First, we need to understand how not to pray. Before teaching the Lord’s Prayer, Jesus told His disciples, “when you pray, pray to your Father in private…” and, “do not heap up empty phrases…for your Father knows what you need before you ask Him.” Say this to yourself: Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, I ask that You always help me to have personal and secret encounters with You in prayer in Jesus' name. Amen!