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bigmike

Matthew 6:9 (AMPC) 9 Pray, therefore, like this...
To a new believer, and even to some longtime believers, prayer is a mystery; something that they are uncertain how to approach.
Many people feel unsure, inadequate, or even incapable of praying in what they would consider to be a “proper” manner.
But we must understand that prayer was never intended to be poetic or formal. It is intended to be sincere, heartfelt, and genuine; not scripted or oratorically perfect.
Thankfully, Jesus taught His disciples, and the people who heard Him speak, how to pray.
And it is incredibly simple!
In His model prayer, Jesus shared that we are to address God reverently, giving Him the glory and reverence He is due: Our Father in heaven, hallowed be Your name.
He then taught us that we must put God’s kingdom and His will first; Your kingdom come. Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.
Next, He taught us how to present our needs to God; Give us this day our daily bread.
We must put our needs before our wants and allow the Holy Spirit to guide us in what we petition God for. It is not necessarily wrong to ask for things that are not essentials, but it is more desirable to pray for the needs of others than for our own wants.
Jesus then showed us the importance of seeking forgiveness; Forgive our debts (sins) as we forgive those who sin against us.
Seeking God’s forgiveness for our sins is essential if we wish to keep our walk with God close-knit. Seeking forgiveness also involves repentance; sincere remorse and turning away from sin.
We must also forgive those who have sinned against us if we expect to be forgiven by God.
And, finally, we ask for God’s protection against temptation, petitioning Him for deliverance from evil; do not lead us into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.
It is God, via the Holy Spirit, who delivers us from evil. We cannot deliver ourselves. Others cannot deliver us. This cannot be accomplished by human will or human desire. We must heed the Holy Spirit’s leading!
As you can see, praying is not complicated. If we follow the model prayer of Jesus, He has presented it to us in a simple, easy-to-understand format that removes the mystery.
Prayer is heart-to-heart communication with God. It need not be eloquent or poetic.
In fact, prayer in its raw form is rarely either of these things. It is passionate, heartfelt, and powerful for great victories in spiritual battles.
Take the time to pray. Start simply. Obey the voice of God. And let Him grow your prayer life.
And watch your walk with God flourish as you grow as His child.

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