SEVEN THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT PRAYER

"Give us our daily bread."

Jesus next showed that our prayers do not have to be 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 us 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 on," Satan exists at all.  But Jesus taught that Satan is real, even calling him "the ruler of this 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. 

This 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