The Lord’s Prayer for Daily Life, Part 2
Two days ago in, Victory Over or Struggling With?, I asked: “Do we sometimes mistakenly convey the impression that applying biblical principles eliminates the battle, the struggle?” I also confessed that I struggle daily. I don’t always experience victory over, instead I experience struggle with, battling against, and victory in. 
Then yesterday in The Lord’s Prayer for Daily Life, I introduced an acrostic, CHRIST, to use as a memory guide when praying the Lord’s Prayer. You can download a two-page outline for: Your Daily Prayer Guide.
Prepare to Pray: Meditation—“Our Father Which Art in Heaven”
C Commune with God: Adoration—“Hallowed Be Thy Name”
H Honor the King: Intercession—“Thy Kingdom Come”
R Radically Commit: Submission/Direction—“Thy Will Be Done”
I Invite God-Rescue: Supplication—“Give Us This Day Our Daily Bread”
S Savor the Savior’s Grace: Confession—“Forgive Us Our Sins”
T Triumph Over Temptation: Petition—“Lead Us Not Into Temptation”
Confidently Trust God: Glorification—“For Thine Is the Kingdom”
We walked through C, H, and R yesterday. Today we ponder I, S, and T.
I Invite God-Rescue: Supplication—“Give Us This Day Our Daily Bread”
Jesus teaches us to acknowledge our spiritual poverty (give). He teaches us to ask unselfishly (us, our). He tells us to pray wisely (this day, daily)—we are to pray about today’s needs and trust God for today’s supply. He instructs us to entreat practically (bread).
“Father, give us this day our daily bread. I am desperate for You, lost without You. Each day has enough trouble of its own, help me to focus on this day and cling to You today. I pray for the faith to believe that all I need is You and what You choose to provide. I ask for nothing more and nothing less than exactly what I need and can handle. I humbly ask for freedom from worry as I trust You to supply my every need. Your bread nourishes me.”
S Savor the Savior’s Grace: Confession—“Forgive Us Our Sins”
Christ teaches us to savor His grace. He wants us to be open to the Spirit’s revelation of our sin, to repent humbly of those sins, to receive and enjoy His great grace, to grant others forgiveness, and to seek reconciliation.
“Father, by Your Holy Spirit, reveal my secret sins to me. Show me the idols of my heart, the false lovers of my soul. I repent of my self-trust. I confess as sin my refusal to trust You. I have forsaken You, the Spring of Living Water and turned to broken cisterns that can hold no water because I lost my awe of You. Forgive me, Father. I bask in Your grace. I accept my acceptance in Christ. Life’s ultimate fear—death and separation—has been defeated. I will not fear what man can do to me. Praise Your name for wiping my slate free. Praise Your name for running to embrace me as the father of the prodigal did. In response to Your forgiveness, enlighten and empower me to forgive all those who have sinned against me. May I be, in Your name, an ambassador of reconciliation.”
T Triumph Over Temptation: Petition—“Lead Us Not Into Temptation”
Christ tutors us to triumph over temptation by seeking the Father’s protection. We are to pray for victory over, but humble rely upon God’s affectionate sovereignty if His will is victory in.
“Father, lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. I seek Your protection against the temptation to worry, doubt, and fear. Keep me from situations where I am most prone to sin—my besetting sins. Yet, lead me to boldly go wherever Your mission leads. By Your strength, may I guard the garden, may I stand firm, putting on the whole armor of God. I pray that You would defeat the world, the flesh, and the devil in my life. I trust in Your awesome power as my only hope for triumph.”
Confidently Trust God: Glorification—“For Thine Is the Kingdom”
“I trust You, Father, because Thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever, Amen. I am weak, but You are Almighty. I see through a glass darkly, but You created the end from the beginning—You are the Alpha and Omega. My eternal King, I commit to serving You bravely for Your glory. In my life, be glorified. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”
Join the Conversation
With whatever struggle you’re experiencing, what would it sound like for you to pray the Lord’s Prayer for your struggle today?
