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Jesus told us to focus on these three things

My minister started a new sermon series called, Shape Up. She explained that the series is not about shaping up physically but rather getting in shape spiritually. This resonated with me as I believe that Bible study and prayer are to the spirit what healthy eating and exercise are to the body.

Her sermon was on the Lord’s Prayer.

The Lord’s Prayer — or the “Our Father” as I called it growing up — is the model prayer that Jesus gave to His disciples. In the middle of His Sermon on the Mount, Jesus gave His followers a framework for prayer. It is found in the book of Matthew.

After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.

Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.

Give us this day our daily bread.

And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.

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 (Matthew 6:9–13, KJV)

Pastor Tracy explained that in this prayer there are three focus points for the disciples of Jesus:

Focus on our Father

Focus on God’s plans

Focus on community

1. The focus of our prayer is not on ourselves but on our Father

We should not focus on status, rules, or a self-righteous agenda. It’s about God working through us. Not religious piety.

We need to seek God. Not in the public arena, seeking attention, but rather in the stillness of the secret place.

Our Heavenly Father invites us into a relationship with Him based on love and trust. He invites us to delight in Him. When we come into prayer, we can come into His presence without pretense or shame.

In my mind’s eye, I have an image of kneeling in front of Jesus and putting my head on His lap. He touches my head tenderly and asks what it is I need. I feel such love and warmth. My focus is solely on Him and my relationship as a daughter of the King.

2. The focus of our prayer is not our plans but God’s

Jesus says to pray, “Your kingdom come. Your will be done.”

Jesus doesn’t pray, “Father get me out of here.” He tells His disciples to ask God to allow us to participate in the kingdom come.

It’s not our plan we are advancing, but the Father’s. This looks like justice, reaching out to the poor, and engaging the marginalized. We are called to pray for the rule of God through the people of God over God’s place.

I used to pray for specific outcomes to my prayers. I’d ask for this to happen, in this way, on this day. But I have learned over the years to ask for God’s will instead. And to pray that I will receive His will with surrender and joy.

3. The focus of our prayer is not me but we

God calls me to partner with others and petition heaven together.

It’s our Father, give us, forgive us, lead us, deliver us. In the kingdom of God, community is a big thing. We are better together, stronger together, we go further together.

When we live the kingdom life together we concern ourselves together. We link arms and move toward the pain with the best message that the world has ever heard.

It’s not all about me. It’s about us. We need each other. We need the help. We need the chorus of prayer together.

When my friend and I founded Koinonia publication our motto was (and still is) “A rising tide lifts all boats”. We believed in working together and the power of collaboration.

Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken (Ecclesiastes 4:12 NIV).

Next time you pray the Lord’s prayer, remember to keep your focus.