The Lord’s Prayer

As soon as we hear the phrase 'The Lord's Prayer,' what comes to our mind is the prayer Jesus taught His disciples.  This prayer is addressed to the Father: "Our Father who art in heaven…."  (Matthew 6: 9-13).   This prayer could have been rightly called the 'Disciple's Prayer!  Our Lord Jesus constantly prayed throughout His ministry.  He prayed even from the Cross.  Our Lord's prayer in John's 17th chapter is the most extended recorded prayer.  John Knox of Scotland was known for his prayer life.  'Give me Scotland, or I die' is the most quoted of all his prayers.  He asked his wife to read John's 17th chapter again and again on his deathbed since that was the Word that changed him.  

This prayer of Jesus is iconic in many ways.  Jesus did not pray as He taught His disciples to pray!  Jesus first prayed for Himself, then for His eleven disciples, but He also had the heart and the vision to pray beyond them.  Jesus prayed for those who would come to faith by the testimony of those disciples over many centuries.  He prayed for us too!  (John 17:20).  The Bible says in Romans 8:34 that Jesus "is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us." Intercession means pleading on behalf of another person.  Jesus is pleading on behalf of all of us, even now, for those who have put their trust in Him for their salvation.  1 John 2:1 adds, "if anyone does sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous.  He is the propitiation for our sins."  From Hebrews 7:25, we learn that Jesus "always lives to intercede" for us.  Jesus is still praying for us.  That gives us the much-needed confidence to face the challenges of this earthly life! 

My friend, do not be anxious over anything.  We have a great High Priest always interceding on behalf of each of us.  What is the cause of your concern today?  Is it health, finances, or a relationship?  Or is it the salvation of a loved one?  Jesus has authority over all flesh.  We can pray in faith and ask Jesus to exercise that authority over those who are yet to repent and believe.  Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever (Heb. 13:8).  Take heart and cast your burdens upon the Lord.  Our Lord Jesus is interceding for each one of us every day.

---