The Prayers of Jesus Christ: Part 1

This will be a 5-part series.

I will start with probably the most well-known prayer in the Bible known as "The Lord's Prayer."  

For your Father knows the things you have need of before you ask Him. In this manner, therefore, 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 this day our daily bread.
 And forgive us our debts,
As we forgive our debtors.

And do not lead us into temptation,
But deliver us from the evil one.
For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen

 Matthew 6:8-13

I am going to break it down line by line according to what it means to me.

"Our Father in heaven, Hallowed be Your name."

God is not only the literal Father to Jesus, but we can also claim Him as our spiritual Father when we accept Him as our Savior and live a righteous life.  What an incredible privilege to be able to call the Creator of all things past, present, and future, our Father.  For some, seeing God as a father-figure stands in the way of accepting God as good.  They have a bad relationship with an absent or abusive father, and cannot accept God as loving and kind.  If this is you, please realize God wants the best for His creation (For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope. Jeremiah 29:11).  Bad things that happen to us and others are the result of a fallen world, or man's desire to have a free will apart from God's love. 

Although I have a good earthly father, it does not cancel out my need for a heavenly one.  I am greatly saddened over my dad's many health problems, but I cannot compare my dad's earthly struggles with my heavenly father.  God is not limited to a weak or mortal human body.  He is all-powerful, all-knowing.  He never sleeps and never gets tired.  We can never over-burden Him, and He will never be overwhelmed or shocked by anything we place at His feet.  He is a Father who wants us to always come to Him with our problems.  He is all-resourceful, and when it meets His purpose and we are doing our best to live righteously, He will answer our prayers. 

God's name is holy.  1 Peter 1:14-16 tells us,  "as obedient children, not conforming yourselves to the former lusts, as in your ignorance; but as He who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, because it is written, 'Be holy, for I am holy.'”   I will repeat myself, God's name is holy.  Therefore, we are called to be holy and strive to live clean lives.  Our heavenly Father cannot tolerate looking at sin any more than an earthly father tolerates his son or daughter breaking his rules.  Parents have been known to kick their children out of the house for going against the rules they set; do not expect a holy Father to do any less.  Galatians 5:19-21 tells us very specifically what sins will keep us out of heaven;  "Now the works of the flesh are evident, which are: adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lewdness,  idolatry, sorcery, hatred, contentions, jealousies, outbursts of wrath, selfish ambitions, dissensions, heresies, envy, murders, drunkenness, revelries, and the like; of which I tell you beforehand, just as I also told you in time past, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God."  

"Your kingdom come."

We do not have to wait for the new heaven and earth to come in order for God's kingdom to come.  The Kingdom of God should live inside us.  We are to be the kingdom of heaven for others to see.    Luke 17:20-21 says,  Now when He was asked by the Pharisees when the kingdom of God would come, He answered them and said, “The kingdom of God does not come with observation; nor will they say, ‘See here!’ or ‘See there!’ For indeed, the kingdom of God is within you.” IF we are a good moral example to friends, family members, and co-workers, we show them the kingdom of God, and do our best to win souls to live eternally in the true heavenly kingdom with God.

"Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven."

I could write all day on these two lines alone, but I will make it very simple and brief.  People love to quote Romans 8:28, "And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose."  As I stated above, God loves us and wants the best for us, so I also quote this verse often.  However, please do not fail to focus on the end of the phrase, "to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose."  IF you do not love the Lord and are walking away from His paths of holiness, then do not expect all things to work out for you and then be angry when things do not go your way.  You need to love, serve, and obey God in good times and in bad.  Remember, not all unanswered prayers are rejection.  What you are praying for may not be in His perfect will, and God may be protecting you from things you cannot or will not understand this side of heaven. Also consider James 5:16 that says, "The effectual fervent [having or displaying a passionate intensity] prayer of a righteous man availeth [benefits] much."

 Give us this day our daily bread.

Our daily bread is the Word of God, and we must make an effort to read it as often as possible.  We must also make a daily choice to live for Jesus as Luke 9:23 reminds us, "Then He said to them all, “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me."  When we spend time daily examining out hearts and reading our daily bread, God will meet our needs.  This does not always include our wants, especially when they are self-serving or are outside of His perfect will.  

"And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors."

This can be the hardest issue of all for some.  Oh, it is easy to ask God to forgive me, but to forgive others is the challenge.  When you read the words directly after The Lord's Prayer, it makes it crystal clear:  “For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.  (Matthew 6:14-15)  If we want to be forgiven, we have to forgive others.  Period.  I one time asked God how to get over past hurts, and I heard Him audibly tell me, "Praise Me."  My husband had a dream that same night that told him the exact same thing!  

When we take the focus off ourselves and focus on loving Christ and His love for us, our heart will naturally begin to soften and heal toward others.  Not over night, of course, but I have noticed a considerable difference in my attitude when I focus more on Christ, and less on me!  John the Baptist was speaking of his followers changing their focus from him to Jesus when he said, "He must increase, but I must decrease."(John 3:30) but the same concept applies to our attitudes.  When we decrease our self-centered focus we increase our Godly-focus and are much better spouses, friends, co-workers because of the shift in vanity.

"And do not lead us into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one."

We are all faced with many temptations throughout the course of lives. One of the most common are temptations as a Christian can be to give up and walk away from God when the going gets tough.  This leads to many other temptations such as being disrespectful to God and others, independence from God and the Bible, clinging to the world rather than to Jesus, and temptations to go against God's rules (see again the verses from Galatians above).  God, however, knows our weaknesses and The Bible promises that He will always give us many opportunities to escape all temptations.   

No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it. I Corinthians 10:13

All one needs to do is walk away.  It really is that simple.  Better yet, do not even get to the place where you need an escape.  You would not intentionally walk across four lanes of heavy traffic at night in a big city wearing all black, so why would you put your relationship with God at risk.  Whatever you are tempted by it is best to remove that temptation from your life.  If you are addicted to pornography, turn off the Internet and television and do not pick up filthy magazines.  If you are so tempted that you cannot even turn on the Internet without going to the ungodly sites, cancel your Internet service. That is just one example that people face, but I am sure you get the idea of how to fight the ungodly things in your life.  Remember, you cannot do it alone, pray that the Holy Spirit enables you to succeed, and if you surrender your life to Him, He will help you.

Other than simply walking away from the things and people that tempt us, we need to pray a wall of protection against our family and ourselves.  When Jesus taught his disciples to pray, he told them they should ask to be kept far away from unholy enticements.  Remember to ask God to keep you from evil every day.

"For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen"

Can we really grasp the power and glory of God?  On this side of Heaven, we cannot.  God's power has literally knocked people to their knees.  I am not speaking of false manifestations, but the True Holy Spirit is so powerful we cannot stand in His presence.  Nor should we be so rebellious and disrespectful to the only one who is worthy if praise. 

Only God deserves the glory and honor and praise. Not man, not a religious organization, but the blessed trinity, God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit.

The best way I can think of to end this blog is to focus on God's power and glory.  Please let these words sink in to the very fibers of your soul:

And I saw in the right hand of him that sat on the throne a book written within and on the backside, sealed with seven seals. And I saw a strong angel proclaiming with a loud voice, Who is worthy to open the book, and to loose the seals thereof? And no man in heaven, nor in earth, neither under the earth, was able to open the book, neither to look thereon. And I wept much, because no man was found worthy to open and to read the book, neither to look thereon. And one of the elders saith unto me, Weep not: behold, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, hath prevailed to open the book, and to loose the seven seals thereof.

And I beheld, and, lo, in the midst of the throne and of the four beasts, and in the midst of the elders, stood a Lamb as it had been slain, having seven horns and seven eyes, which are the seven Spirits of God sent forth into all the earth. And he came and took the book out of the right hand of him that sat upon the throne. And when he had taken the book, the four beasts and four and twenty elders fell down before the Lamb, having every one of them harps, and golden vials full of odours, which are the prayers of saints.

And they sung a new song, saying, "Thou art worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof: for thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation; And hast made us unto our God kings and priests: and we shall reign on the earth."

And I beheld, and I heard the voice of many angels round about the throne and the beasts and the elders: and the number of them was ten thousand times ten thousand, and thousands of thousands; Saying with a loud voice, "Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power, and riches, and wisdom, and strength, and honour, and glory, and blessing."

And every creature which is in heaven, and on the earth, and under the earth, and such as are in the sea, and all that are in them, heard I saying, "Blessing, and honour, and glory, and power, be unto him that sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb for ever and ever." 

And the four beasts said, "Amen." And the four and twenty elders fell down and worshipped him that liveth for ever and ever. Revelation 5:1-14

Are you a living testimony of your faith? Written by my Husband

Are you a living testimony of your faith? Written by my Husband, Mel

The Lord occasionally reminds me that people are watching me and that I represent him. That is why it is so very important to maintain a good testimony. People watch those who claim to know Christ very carefully and they immediately recognize the hypocrites. When I was a young man, I worked as a maintenance engineer in a large office building, and I had a lot of responsibility. One day an attorney who was a tenant in the building, asked me to come into his office. He told me that he was aware that I was a Christian and that he had been carefully watching me for the last two years. He said that I was very honest, and worked very hard, and that I was a credit to my faith. This attorney was a very bitter man who lived alone, and was anti-social. The attorney then hired me to do some part time work for him. I became aware that people were watching me everywhere, even on my job, and that as an ambassador for Christ I must maintain a good work ethic, as well as honesty. I prayed for that attorney, and I hope that I was able to plant a seed in his life through my testimony.


I have met quite a few people who have been hurt by pastors, youth pastors, as well as other people in leadership positions due to hypocrisy. Many Christian leaders have been involved in sexual scandals, as well as living very lavish lifestyles from the flocks that they have fleeced. Hypocrisy, especially from Christian leadership has shipwrecked the faith of many, and this is Satan's plan. I often tell people to keep their eyes upon Jesus and not men, because men will disappoint you. The apostle Paul lived a life that truly glorified God and he told the churches to imitate him even as he imitated Christ. Paul chose to work as a tent maker so that he would not be a financial burden to those whom he ministered to. Paul lived a Christian life that was beyond reproach, and we should aspire to do the same. When God's Holy Spirit comes to live within us he begins the work of sanctification. Sanctification is the process of spiritual purification and if we will allow the Spirit to have his perfect work in our lives we will reflect the attributes of God. We are called to bear the good fruit of the Spirit and not the bad fruit of the sinful nature. If we reflect the love of Christ towards mankind we will lead people to the cross where they will find salvation.
 

In  III John 9-12 we read about a church leader named Diotrephes. Diotrephes was a malicious gossip and troublemaker, who opposed God's Apostles. He was so arrogant that he would put people out of the church who disagreed with him. John said to not imitate what is evil, but what is good, for he who does good is of God, but he who does evil has not seen God. There are many church leaders today that are similar to Diotrephes, they oppose sound doctrine, and love the flattery of men, they try to silence God's true prophets and are consumed by the love of money. These evil men have not seen or known God, and we should not imitate them or their doctrines. John encourages the church to imitate a man named Demetrius because he has a good testimony from all and from the truth itself. This scriptural passage emphasis the importance of maintaining a good testimony. Are you a living testimony of your faith?

 
I wrote to the church, but Diotrephes, who loves to have the preeminence among them, does not receive us. Therefore, if I come, I will call to mind his deeds which he does, prating against us with malicious words. And not content with that, he himself does not receive the brethren, and forbids those who wish to, putting them out of the church. Beloved, do not imitate what is evil, but what is good. He who does good is of God, but he who does evil has not seen God. Demetrius has a good testimony from all, and from the truth itself. And we also bear witness, and you know that our testimony is true.  III John:9-12  

Then Then I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, “Now salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of His Christ have come, for the accuser of our brethren, who accused them before our God day and night, has been cast down.  And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, and they did not love their lives to the death.  Revelation 2:10-11

Julie's Poetry, Part 3, 2005-2017

 

"Nevertheless God, that comforteth those that are cast down, comforted us." 2 Corinthians 7:6

Depression (2005) (Written for a friend.)

Depression

Has settled in; 

How can she

Tame such a Beast

That devours life's joy?

With teeth and claws

That scratch and bite, 

And a forked tongue

That whispers hate and deceit, 

And purrs sweet nothings

To make her believe

Its treacherous lies

Redemption

Has paid the price

To kill the Beast

And set her free; 

With nail-pierced hands

That comfort and heal, 

And eyes of peace

Full of hope and love

And words of truth

To bless with joy

And a pure heart

Full of mercy and grace

"Also I heard the voice of the Lord, saying, Whom shall I send, and who will go for us? Then said I, 'Here am I; send me.'" Isaiah 6:8

When Called (2006)

It is an honor to be called out,

To have God say you are ready,

To walk through the  battlefield

Equipped in the armor of His holy word;

To take a stand where others fall

And say, “Yes, Lord, use me.”

Not to whimper or cry,

But to shout because you are chosen;

To tremble in awe at such an assignment,

And pray for wisdom and strength;

To try to understand,

And believe God’s will even things seem impossible;

To say, “Yes, Lord, teach me.”

To feel His blessing grip a hold of you,

And kneel in His presence;

To not give up or give in,

But to push ahead through the muck

And when you reach the end,

To praise Him for surviving;

To say, “Yes, lord, heal me.”

And not become bitter;

To reflect on all He taught you;

To remember He chose you;

To feel your faith grow stronger,

And heart more open;

To do it all again,

And say, “Yes, Lord, use me.” 

"These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world." John 16:33

Why Me? (2006)

Losing precious animals,

Religious discrimination,

Financial woes,

And I wonder why me?

What have I done?

Am I being punished?

What sins have I not confessed?

In the midst of my pity party,

God asks me,

“Why would you want to be exempt?”

I should be ready to accept the challenges,

Be ready to grow in faith,

Grow in confidence of His love,

Grow in conviction

So when the storms come,

And I know they will,

I should again ask, why me?

Why am I so special?

To be chosen,

To be given the opportunity

To draw closer to heaven,

To know God more intimately,

And prove myself worthy

I may never know why me,

Why trials come my way,

Why I am asked to endure,

But I will do my best

To honor His decision,

And not make God regret His choice,

Shake His head and wonder,

“Why you?

“I should have chosen someone else.”

"That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust." Matthew 5:45

When the Rain Falls (2006) 

If the rain falls

On the just and the unjust, 

Then why be just?

If life promises to fare no better

If you pledge your life to God, 

Then why do so?

If there seems to be no purpose

To anything at any time, 

Then why believe in a merciful God?

There are no simple answers

Only mystery piled upon mystery

There will be frustration

There will be answered questions, 

There will be heartache, 

And there will be joy

The Bible promises the weeping will cease, 

That all will work together for His good; 

Whether we understand it or not, 

Our change comes from believing, 

In knowing eternity will bring peace

The difference is in allowing yourself to feel...

Feel repentant,

Feel peace,

Feel God's love,

Feel humble,

Feel broken,

Feel healed

The rain will fall

On the just and the unjust,

So be just,

It will not make the sun come out,

But it will change how you handle the storm;

It will fill you with unfathomable strength,

And though you may not believe it now,

You will eventually find joy in the mourning 

"For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace." Isaiah 9:6

Julie's Christmas Carol (2010) 

Have yourself a merry little Christmas, 

Even if you heart is broken; 

When grief has pierced your soul

With pain so deep it can't be spoken

Remember the little town of Bethlehem, 

And the stable that held pure light; 

The Christ child that came to heal our wounds

Even on the darkest night

Away in a manger

Is not just about a baby in the hay, 

Jesus is alive forever, 

And washes sorrow away

Do you see what I see?

When all seems lost and day is night, 

It is yours to discover...

Miracles still happen when you seek His Light

"We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; Persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed." 2 Corinthians 4:8-9

Reflection (2010) 

As I face the end of 2010, 

I do not look back with fondness; 

Truth be told, 

It has been a harsh year...

Two surgeries for my dog,

Death of another dog,

Death of three cats,

And injury to a fourth cat 

Facing trials against those I love

Has threatened to break me;

I am bent and twisted,

And not quite the same,

But not broken

I can cling to the Truth

That God loves me;

Right now it has to be enough 

To sustain a cracked heart -

One finding it difficult to maintain a rhythm

Not interrupted by loss and fear

I must press on toward God's Light,

And not cast an interfering shadow

Or shrink into the darkness

Though there is comfort 

In a clenched fist and stubborn will,

I must let go and be free

Of burdens weighing heavy on my chest

Though I do not quite know how to do so

As I face the beginning of 2011,

I am not certain how to look forward

Without closing my eyes

Or straining my neck looking behind;

But I will push ahead

With Hope at my side

And perhaps even peace in my heart

"And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose." Romans 8:28

Mel (2012) (A Triptych Poem, Written for my husband)

his past his loss his sorrow

his parents his brother his wife

his pain his grief his anguish

his faith his doubt his confliction

his belief his God his healing

his calling his vision his dream

his obedience  his decision his conviction

his loss his grief his heartache

his exodus his loneliness his sorrow

his friend his comfort his healing

his outreach his faith his resilience

his dream his belief his determination

his acceptance his love his openness

his healing his hope  his faith

his love his wife his future

"The Lord is good, a strong hold in the day of trouble; and he knoweth them that trust in him." Nahum 1:7

Let the Strongholds Fall (2017) (This one is set to music.)

Let the strongholds fall,

Let the storm be still,

Let the heavens call,

Lord, we’ll do Your will.

 

Let the trumpet sound,

Let the angels sing,

Let the enemy be bound,

Let Your fire rain.

 

Lord, we hear Your voice,

We will worship You,

And with all our hearts,

Let our praise be true.

 

Let Your Spirit come

Purify our hearts,

May our hands be clean

As we bow our knees.

 

Lord, we seek Your face,

Lord we humbly pray,

May You send us out,

Let us work Your fields

 

Let the strongholds fall,

Let the storm be still,

Let the heavens call,

Lord, we’ll do Your will.

 

Let the trumpet sound,

Let the angels sing,

Let the enemy be bound,

Let Your fire rain.