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Bible Study -
Devotional
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Contributed by Phil Spadaro
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Wednesday, 25 April 2007 |
 In Matthew 6:9-13, Jesus presents a model prayer; a skeleton if you
will. Within this outline are three elements which deal with sin and
temptation. Verses 12-14 instruct us to pray about our sin, other's
real or perceived sin against us and temptation. Each line referencing
iniquity or potential short comings requires us to know who we are.
If I pray and am unable to articulate of which sins, by name, I am guilty then I am out of touch. To merely state, “God, I have sinned – forgive me, “ is not deep or meaningful. Confessing to the Lord my impatience, anger or greed in specific circumstances calls me to think and feel deeply about my sin.
To specifically name how someone else has sinned against me causes a review of the sin, scenario and relationship with the person. Once again, deep thought, introspection and humility before God are required to be honest and deep. Naming the specific iniquities may reveal more of a perception of wrongdoing on my part and not a real injustice. I must be prepared for that conclusion; I was wrong and in sin and not the other person. Deeply praying about another's sin and forgiving may also lead to me confronting the individual – also a difficult consequence of praying candidly.
Finally, there is a call in verse 13 to pray about temptation. Can I think through my day and note the situations which will stir my sinful nature? Do I know my sinful nature well enough? Are there others helping me see and know my sinful nature? Verse 13 assumes I am in touch with who I am and am not. It assumes a spiritual and sober perspective either from myself or others.
When praying, knowing my sinful nature and a willingness to address it are important. Honesty while praying is a necessity. Having others to help keep my perception sober and honest is helpful. All of these add up to deep, life changing prayers.
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Praying for forgiveness
Written by Alan on 2007-04-25 11:46:35
I don't deny that it is good to be specific in your prayers for forgiveness. But I wouldn't go to far with that. The tax collector in Luke 18:13 merely said "God be merciful to me, a sinner!" That seems to have been satisfactory, based on the words of Jesus: "I tell you, this man went down to his house justified, rather than the other." |
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Last Updated ( Wednesday, 25 April 2007 )
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