I’ve often been a person who learns not only by good examples, but also by poor examples. For instance, I have learned a lot about teaching by reflecting on teachers who were really bad at it—and trying to do the opposite!
Jesus teaches us to pray by teaching us the greatest examples ever—the Lord’s Prayer in Matthew 6:9-13 and the Prayer of the Lord in John 17:1-26.
The Blasphemous Opposite of the Lord’s Prayer: How Not to Pray
I’ve been reflecting recently on how we often pray—secretly, deep in our flesh—the opposite of the Lord’s Prayer. Maybe it goes something like this…
“It’s all about me.
Hallowed, defended, honored, respected, and glorified be my name.
My kingdom come.
My will be done.
Give me this day and every day forever my needs and every want.
Forgive me my debts but don’t ask me to forgive others—judge others for me.
May I enjoy the pleasures of temptation.
Deliver me from anything hard or difficult.”
Now, none of us would say those words. None of us would admit to those mindsets. But if we are honest, we can end up living those prayers or living for those prayers to come true. If we live in the flesh.
Our Spirit-Led Praying and Our Spirit-Empowered Living
Thankfully, through the power of the Spirit, we can put off the old fleshly way, and we can pray and seek to live the new Christ-way…
“Our Father who art 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 also have forgiven our debtors.
And lead us not into temptation.
But deliver us from evil (from the evil one).”
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