Amen and Amen

Passage: Matthew 6:9-13; Ephesians 3:20-21;  I Chronicles 29:10-11

Six months ago, I said the Lord’s Prayer is like a rich chocolate or a fine wine or a beautiful sunset, sometimes it needs to be savored.  I said we would take our time and savor this prayer, drawing out all its sweet fruit.  We would take hold of this diamond and slowly turn it until each facet reveals the beauty within.  Too often we say this prayer quickly and unthinkingly.  I said we would slow down and search out Jesus’ meaning in each phrase.

We have done that, we spent 14 weeks going through each petition of this great prayer.  We have learned some things, have gained a deeper appreciation and knowledge of this prayer.  And yet there is still so much more here for us.  The more we know and learn about prayer the more we feel like novices in this business of talking to God.  I have resigned myself to always feeling that way, to always feeling like a rookie, like I’m still in first grade.

All of us are only students in this life and so we must always be learning and practicing.  One of the most profitable things we can do is read and study the prayers written in Scripture.  I have often commended to you the prayers of Paul and I urge you again to read his prayers and meditate on what he asked for and what he didn’t ask for.

Have you ever wondered if God hears your prayers and if He answers?  Do you ever think your prayers aren’t good enough to get through?  Well I have good news.  This last phrase in the Lord’s Prayer should forever change your thinking.