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The Honolulu Advertiser

Posted on: Saturday, November 6, 2004

EXPRESSIONS OF FAITH

Prayer not just about asking

By Dr. Roy G. Gaton

I often ask myself what is the meaning of prayer. Is it to ask God for something or to ask him to take something from us? As I ponder this more and more, I have come to a personal understanding that prayer has to do more than asking God for something. It has to do with our relationship with him.

Jesus provides us a perfect formula to establish and build our relationship with him.

It is common to refer to the prayer found in Matthew 6 and Luke 11 as "The Lord's Prayer," but the reality is that if you want read a prayer invoked by Jesus, you find it in John 17.

However, in the prayer found in Matthew 6 and Luke 11, we find a prayer given by Jesus to us as a model on how to pray.

In this prayer, we have an example of a perfect petition. How simple, yet how comprehensive and profound it is! This prayer should be taught to children and adults as a perfect way to pray to God. Let's analyze the principles contained in it:

Our father ...

Praise him for his relationship to me and the family of God. He is indeed our father. (The parable of the Prodigal Son, Luke 15:21-24)

... which art in heaven

Praise him whose throne is in heaven and yet lives in my heart. (Isaiah 57:15; Acts 7:49)

... hallowed be your name.

Praise him for who he is, his name and character. His name is the expression of his being. (Exodus 34:5-7) To praise his name is to worship him.

Your kingdom come ...

Pray that I may have part in the hastening of his kingdom. (Revelations 11:15) Through my example, gifts, and witnessing.

... your will be done on Earth as it is in heaven.

Pray that the will of God be done in my life, my family's, friends and church.

Give us this day our daily bread ...

Pray for that which will sustain me for temporal and spiritual needs (money, a job, healing, strength, love, companionship, wisdom and guidance). (Philippians 4:19) Interceding for others.

... forgive us our sins ...

Confess my sins in prayer and ask forgiveness. By the blood of Christ, I am forgiven. (1 John 1:9; Revelations 1:5)

... as we forgive those who have sinned against us.

Confess and ask forgiveness when I have held grudges against others. (Hebrews 12:15) The ultimate sin is our unwillingness to forgive someone who has sinned against us.

Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.

Pray for victory and praise for his promises. (James 4:7,8; John 4:4; Philippians 4:13)

For yours is the kingdom, the power and the glory forever.

Praise God for his certainty. (Revelations 5:9-14)

Amen!

The Rev. Dr. Roy G. Gaton is director of spiritual life and pastoral care for Castle Medical Center in Kailua. Expressions of Faith is a column that welcomes written works by pastors, priests, lay people and other leaders in faith and spirituality. E-mail faith@honoluluadvertiser.com or call 525-8035. Articles submitted to The Advertiser may be published or distributed in print, electronic or other forms.