Seven Things You Need to Know About Prayer

Conclusion of (4) PRAYER What About?

"Let your will take place, in heaven as on the earth."

Jesus' words suggest that God's will is just as certain to take place on earth as it is in  heaven, where God dwells. God's will has proved unstoppable in heaven; there, God's Son waged war against Satan and his cohorts, casting them down to the earth.  (Revelation  12:9-12) This third petition of the model prayer, like the first two, helps us to keep our focus on what matters most-not our own will, but God's. It is his will that always brings about the greatest good for all creation-Thus, even the perfect man Jesus said to his father:  "Let, not my will, but thy will take place." - Luke 22:42.

"Give us our bread." 

Jesus next showed that our prayers do not have to be entirely selfless. There is nothing wrong with praying to God about our daily practical needs. In fact, doing so reminds us that Jehovah is the one who "gives to all persons life and breath and all things." (Acts 17:25) The Bible reveals that he is a loving parent who delights in giving his children what they need. Like a  good parent, though, he will not grant requests that violate their best interests. 

"Forgive our debts."

Do you really owe a debt to God? Do you need his forgiveness? Many today have lost sight of the reality  and seriousness of sin.  But the Bible teaches that sin is at the root of our worse troubles, for it is the basic cause of death in humans. Born in sin, we all sin frequently, and our only hope for a lasting future lies in God's forgiveness.  (Romans 3:23; 5:12; 6:23)  It is a relief to learn that the Bible says: "You, O Jehovah, are good and ready to forgive." -Psalm 86:5. 

"Deliver us from Evil." 

Do you realize how urgently, how desperately, you need God's protection? Many refuse to believe that "the wicked one," Satan, exists  at all. But Jesus taught that Satan is real, even calling him "the ruler of the world." (John 12:31; 16:11) Satan has corrupted this world over which he holds sway, and he is just as eager to corrupt you, to keep you from developing a close relationship with your Father, Jehovah. ( 1 Peter 5:8) However, Jehovah is far stronger than Satan and is delighted to protect those who love Him. 

That quick summary of the main points of Jesus' model prayer does not cover every subject that is fit for prayer. Remember, 1 John 5:14 tells us about God: "No matter what it is that we ask according to his will, he hears us.   "So do not worry that your troubles are too trivial to bring before God. -1 Peter 5:7.

What, though, about time and place? Does it matter when and where we pray?

Next time: Seven Things You Need to Know About Prayer - (5) PRAYER Does It Matter Where and When?

From the Watchtower magazine, 2010