So my 5 and I (thats my line sister who's number is 5 for those that aren't following) met up at the Kona Grill just because, which is always nice considering that life has a funny way of commandeering as my mother would put it, ever moment and breath of our existence. At times we don't get the opportunity to breathe, not that we can't but we forget too. But this was my waiting to exhale moment minus a man to complicate things and the worries of the the world. So my LS, as well as one of my very best friends took the time to meet up for a momentary escape from reality. Many things were discussed, the state of the school system, the frightening state of the black youth, and how were going to get out and meet new people (primarily of the opposite sex). We ate some, some drank and then we continued to discuss life.
The Lord really works in some SUPER mysterious ways, he opens your eyes to things that are at times inconceivable leaving you to revel in the altruistic power of his love.
Anyhow my 5 and I were talking and was telling me about a sermon given by the pastor of her church discussing how to pray. As kids many of us are taught to pray, but few of really know how to pray, me included so what my LS was telling me made a lot of sense.
She said that her pastor told them that there was a prayer formula that hit 6 points:
1. Praise & Worship - Acknowledgment
2. Pray IN God's Will
3. Pray for Need
4. Pray for Forgiveness
5. Pray for Protection
6. Praise & Worship - Acknowledgment
She said that the Lord's Prayer was a perfect example or if you will prayer template.
- Our Father, who art in heaven,
- Hallowed be thy Name.
- These first two lines are an example of acknowledging the most high
- Thy kingdom come.
- Thy will be done,
- On earth as it is in heaven.
Here we have an example of praying in the will of God. It is the will of God that adequately and effectively drives the purpose in our lives.
- Give us this day our daily bread.
Here we ask for the needs of the body soul and the spirit. Just like with anything you need nourishment (in whatever form it maybe) in order to function.
- And forgive us our debts
- As we forgive our debtors
Man I have such a HUGE problem with this. It is always so much easier to hold a grudge and harness dislike for an individual, but how can we truly be forgiven if we can't ourselves forgive? Forgiveness Forgiveness Forgiveness. Often times we don't afford people the right to such but we ask for it on a daily basis. We have to learn to forgive in order to be forgiven. Forgiveness is not our own to harbor selfishly.
- And lead us not into temptation,
- But deliver us from evil.
With all of the things that are happening in the world today, we cannot go into "battle" with out the proper protection. Asking the Lord for protection helps us in such a way that those things that seek to attack the mind, body, and spirit are held at bay because of the God that we serve. We even have to often times ask for protection from ourselves, because we can at times be our own worst enemy.
- For thine is the kingdom,
- and the power, and the glory,
- for ever and ever.
And after all is said and done we take the time to re-acknowledge the Lord, affirming that we appreciate and love him knowing that all the things that we have prayed for will come to pass as he sees fit.
Sometimes we pray and we pray and we feel as though the things that we have have prayed for have not been fulfilled and have not been fulfilled in OUR time. I think it is important to remember that immediate gratification of anything is never lasts. It comes and it goes and we are still left were we began empty. So pray faithfully, diligently, and gracefully. Pray for yourself, your family, your friends and your enemies. Pray for patience, understanding, and fulfillment. For what God has for you is for you and you alone, no one can steal that blessing.
Prayerfully yours.....
AMEN!
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