I originally posted this October 8, 2008. I am here again today praying for so many who are battling cancer. My heart is always about their healing. But if God says that they have finished their race faithfully, I do rejoice that they have left this alien land and have gone home.
Some may find The Message paraphrase very different from The Lord’s Prayer they know. I hope you will take time today to read this version and then also say the version you know in your heart.
[Jesus said,]“The world is full of so-called prayer warriors who are prayer-ignorant. They’re full of formulas and programs and advice, peddling techniques for getting what you want from God. Don’t fall for that nonsense. This is your Father you are dealing with, and he knows better than you what you need. With a God like this loving you, you can pray very simply. Like this:
Our Father in heaven,
Reveal who you are.
Set the world right;
Do what’s best— as above, so below.
Keep us alive with three square meals.
Keep us forgiven with you and forgiving others.
Keep us safe from ourselves and the Devil.
You’re in charge!
You can do anything you want!
You’re ablaze in beauty!
Yes. Yes. Yes.                        Matthew 6:7-13 (The Message, my emphasis)
Once again I am in the gap praying for a friend and also praying for someone I haven’t yet met. They are battling cancer. It is terror and overwhelming fear that I see in them with my physical eyes and with my spiritual eyes. How to move from that place??!!!
Jesus is passionately telling me how to pray in this passage. Here in the midst of His most famous sermon — He speaks of prayer. He tells me to pray quietly and succinctly. Get real in my prayers and get to the point in prayer:
*God — You are Creator
*Your name is above any other I could call on
*You will have the final word in this world
*Give me what I need today
*Forgive me…every sin…forgive me
*I forgive every sin committed against me
*Lead me today away from the evil one an his schemes and temptations
That’s it. Say it. Mean it. That covers it. Any more additions are words said that help me to get to that place of peace passing understanding. And that’s OK to say the rest — but realize that begging God isn’t necessary. Talking God into helping me isn’t necessary. God is already there! God is already dealing with the problem!
Because he is lovingly devoted to Me, I will deliver him; I will exalt him because he knows My name.
When he calls out to Me, I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble.
I will rescue him and give him honor. I will satisfy him with a long life and show him My salvation.        Psalm 91:14-16 (HCSB)
God has so many promises. He even said in Isaiah 65:24 that before I call on Him — He answers and He hears while I am still trying to get the words out of my mouth!
Join me now and pray for those who are in battle. Stand firm and know that God is here!!!
