All We Need

It’s such a simple way to pray. I think of a proud transparency in the heart of Jesus as He is asked to guide His disciples to pray, to talk to His heavenly Father. There has to be some joyous introspection as He reveals the manner of His own private conversation with the Father. I can think of my girls coming to an age where they looked up, taking their eyes off themselves, the games they were playing and look up at me. They were tender moments full this gentle vulnerability as they wanted to know, to be influenced, to understand something more about themselves by knowing something more about me. They looked up, paused and said, "Daddy, what’s your favorite color?" It’s a small thing I know, but it’s a meaningful, fragile, growth moment. Daddy knows it’s a moment of significance in a way that fully connects his head and his heart.

This is a moment like that.

Head and heart fully engaged, knowing something real and hopeful and filled with unbridled potential has been entered, Jesus give an answer so simple yet so profound it the answer seems inexhaustible. He begins;

Father,
hallowed be your name,

I think there is a tremorous joy in His voice as He exposes the way He addresses His Father. ‘Daddy, you are so wonderful, may I keep your name holy.’

your kingdom come.

May your ways be. May your heart and way have their rightful place in My life and this world.

Give us each day our daily bread.

You Father, care so much for each of us. You desire to provide all we need. Every day may we look to You for our every need. Everything comes from You.

Forgive us our sins,
for we also forgive everyone who sins against us.

This is the way things are where the Father is. This is the way we want to be. Help us to receive and to also to release. Let our recognition of our need for forgiveness and our need to be forgiving be our way

And lead us not into temptation.

This is a recognition that the Father protects us from evil. It says, ‘We know we need your protection because by ourselves we will find the tempting things a way to follow.’ It says, ‘We are dependant on You and need Your protection so we might live beyond temptation and live the way those who love You live, a kingdom lifestyle of faithfulness, trust and trueness.’

Jesus may I everyday look up to you and ask, "What’s your favorite color?" And Lord, my your answer influence my life, my dreams, my worries, wonders and become my favorite ways too. May we remember and pray this way in our community of faith.