Public Prayer
This, then, is how you should pray: ‘Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. And lead us not into temptation but deliver us from the evil one.’ Matthew 6:9-13.
Most of us know this prayer by heart or at least have heard it. Many sermons have been built on Jesus’s instructions to His disciples when they questioned Him on prayer. It is known as the Model Prayer.
I have some difficulties when I have to offer a personalized public prayer. I become anxious. My thoughts are scattered and I cannot focus on what I want to say. My thoughts seem to freeze. So, the Lord’s Prayer is my “Go To” prayer.
The Holy Spirit assures me that He understands where I am in my thoughts, desires and needs. What a blessing to feel that security!
I am a person who loves to talk, tell stories, laugh and am never at a loss for words, but when it comes to humbling myself at the feet of my Lord and praying publicly, I tend not only to stumble, but to trip over simple words before I become speechless. It frustrates me and I feel ashamed.
Many of us struggle with this. I have gone in search of ways to overcome this behavior by trying to let my words flow from my heart. But there are times when all my arteries are blocked.
Prayer is a conversation with God. We are to thank Him, ask for His will and tell Him our needs. We are to pray for others and seek forgiveness. I often hesitate to bother God with the little things I need. And when big problems come, I try everything I can to solve the problem before I think of praying. I don’t have a problem when I am praying privately. But publicly, I feel others may be judging my words.
I know God hears my heart and is not shaking His head saying, “You could do better, Patty, practice, practice, practice.” No, He’s pleased that I am kneeling at His feet and talking with Him. He’s my Father and I have His love without asking. God loves to hear from us. In Matthew 6:33 Jesus tells us, “But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and His righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.” He wants to meet all our needs: spiritually, physically, mentally, or financially. But to do so, we must communicate with Him in prayer.
We must get out of our own way when praying and simply humble ourselves at His feet. This is our Father who loves us unconditionally and is pleased we have come to Him.
Beloved Father: Thank You for hearing our prayers. Teach us to be less self-conscious about what others may think and to heed the lessons in the Model Prayer. Thank You for giving us the perfect example of having a conversation with You. AMEN.