Billy Graham once said, “To get nations back on their feet, we must first get down on our knees.” Worldwide, the calls for prayer are growing louder. On the topic of prayer, Ecclesiastes 5:2 tells us, God is in heaven, and you are on the earth; therefore, let your words be few.

My personal go-to is The Lord’s Prayer. When His disciples asked Jesus to teach them to pray, He gave them the perfect model of prayer. The Lord’s prayer is simple and short; but prayer is not meant to be thoughtless repetition. It is after all a conversation with God and should be filled with our love, gratitude, and praise. Let’s practice making it a dialogue, not a monologue.

Our Father, who art in heaven,

You are our Father, and a God of power and might. Thank you, Father, for this special relationship we have with you and for your faithful presence in our lives.  

Hallowed be thy Name

All glory, honor, and praise are yours almighty Father.

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

Lord, please fill us with Your Spirit to guide and direct us according to Your perfect and holy Will and purpose.  Let our lives grow your kingdom by reflecting Your goodness and mercy to everyone we come in contact with.

Give us this day our daily bread,

Lord, give us not just our needs, but please give us the wisdom, understanding, and strength to follow where You lead. Give us mercy, compassion, righteousness, and courage, so that in all we say, do, and think we will give you glory.

Forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us,

Lord, we come before you humble and contrite. We know we are sinners, and we ask forgiveness of our sins that caused Jesus pain and suffering unto death. Help us to turn away from sin in our lives and turn to You in sincere repentance. We ask that the blessing of your forgiveness be paid forward as we extend forgiveness to those who have hurt us.

And lead us not into temptation,

Please Lord let us not surrender ourselves or our faith during the trials of this life which are many and oppressive. Let us always be aware of Your faithful presence especially in the storms of life when human fears and anger threaten to separate us from You.

But deliver us from evil.

Lord, please protect us from the jaws of the enemy that roams this earth seeking out souls to destroy. Help us to humble ourselves before You, Lord, and to be strong in the strength of Your might as we resist the devil, so he will flee from us.

       For thine is the kingdom, the power, and the glory, forever and ever.

AMEN