The Model Prayer

The Model Prayer

Matthew 6:9 “After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.10 Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.11 Give us this day our daily bread.12 And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.13 And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.”

Manner: a way in which a thing is done or happens.

     Millicent!  Please mind your manners!  It is a children’s series of short stories contrasting the rude Millicent with the kind Millicent.  They teach.  This one teaches manners.

     So what are manners?  I mean, everyone has manners.  Even the thief in jail has manners.  A child is known by his doings.  Our manners or ways of behavior earmark us as cattle in the lot.  As if our manners go before us, telling our character even before we arrive.  So what of the Christian?

     I have heard those who babble.  Those who use vain repetition.  You will see them bowing down to the east or gathered about a drum.  Or you may hear them sitting next to you in the pew.  Ever heard someone talk at you and not to you?

     In the Air Force, we rode the technicians’ van.  Two seated in front and the rest us of facing each other in the rear.  One day, I witnessed the two upfront just carrying away.  Their speech bounced off the windshield to deaf ears.  Two simultaneous conversations directed at each other yet going on independently without the normal volley.  That picture stuck in my head.

      How often to we approach God this way?  In our prayers, a fancy term for talk.  God is new each day. Our speech is to be seasoned with salt.  How much more shall it be when we talk to Dad?

     A model prayer would drive me nuts as a father!  I would continually ask the kids to check the “I am not a robot” box.  If they all gathered about and recited the same, “Thank you father for this day.  Thank you father for this food.  Please bless it to our bodies and bless the hands that have prepared it. Amen,” I might throw the turkey out the window!

     Prayer is not a ritual.  Rituals reduce our Great God to an idol which can be handled with hands.  He implores our imaginations to work up the words that describe the moment.  Maybe that’s why the unscripted child’s prayer at the table brings laughter.  Yet, that is the model.

     We are to be children.  Do we embarrass Him if we trip over our words in front of others?  He warns of the Pharisee route.  “Don’t walk that rut.  They don’t even think.”  I’ve heard of prayers or meditations to empty one’s mind.  Watch out for that!  Demons love an empty house with the doors open.

     So why the model prayer with Jesus?  He simply said,” These are the ingredients.”  Like basic staples in the pantry.  “Get creative in the kitchen!” I hear Him say.  “Bake up a winner when you have time.  Maybe a smoothie when you are on the run.”  What does spaghetti look like to Him?  Surely, the intertwining concerns of the day.

     What He wants is dialogue.  ABOUT ANYTHING.  Upon reading His scripture, our awareness of His presence increases.  Eventually we meet Him with a “Good morning, Lord” before our feet hit the floor.  As if He is right in the room with us.  And so He is.

     And don’t stop with Lord.  He goes by other names like Brother, Sir, Friend, Master, Teacher, Dude, Hey Guy, You Crazy Nut!, Father, Counselor, lord, and so on.

     He truly is our friend.  Let us talk with Him in first person. 

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