In this exercise, we will follow the pattern of the Lord’s Prayer in Matthew 6:9-13, using the New English Translation. Make the Lord’s Prayer your own by following the examples in italics below each portion of the prayer.
“So pray this way:
Our Father in heaven, may your name be honored,”
Claim three names or attributes of God by speaking them aloud
“may your kingdom come,”
Cry out to God for His church to grow and his Son to return
“may your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.”
Mention a specific situation in which you long for God’s will to be done, above your own will
“Give us today our daily bread,”
Thank God for His provision and ask Him to help you trust Him to meet ALL your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus (Phil. 4:19)
“and forgive us our debts, as we ourselves have forgiven our debtors.”
Example: “God, you forgive us time and time again. Thank you for your example of forgiveness and please help me forgive __________. Help me see forgiveness as freedom for me and trust in you, not a condoning of any wrongdoing.”
“And do not lead us into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.”
Example: “Lord, I’m so tempted to _________, even when I recognize it as Satan’s trap. Please help me remember that your way is best and replace the temptation to do something wrong with a desire and longing to do something right.”