Praying the Lord's Prayer

Seven days inside the prayer Jesus taught — one line a day, prayed slowly.

Part of Prayer

1. Day 1 / 7

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

   Our Father — the whole gospel in two words: God, fathering you. Hallowed be thy name: begin with his honour, not your list. Pray just this line today, slowly.

2. Day 2 / 7

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

   Thy kingdom come, thy will be done — the prayer's boldest line, because it dethrones ours. Pray it over one situation where your will and his may differ.

3. Day 3 / 7

   Give us this day our daily bread.

   Daily bread: needs, asked for a day at a time. God funds the journey in daily instalments, and worry about next month is not on today's form. Ask for today's portion.

4. Day 4 / 7

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

   Forgive us as we forgive — the only line Jesus stops to underline. Received grace and released grievance travel together. Pray both halves honestly.

5. Day 5 / 7

   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.

   Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil — the humble prayer of someone who knows their weakness and their enemy. Pray it over tomorrow's known battlefield tonight.

6. Day 6 / 7

   And it came to pass, that, as he was praying in a certain place, when he ceased, one of his disciples said unto him, Lord, teach us to pray, as John also taught his disciples.

   Lord, teach us to pray — the request that started it all. The disciples watched Jesus pray and wanted what he had. Make their request yours: not better words, but a better teacher.

7. Day 7 / 7

   Be not ye therefore like unto them: for your Father knoweth what things ye have need of, before ye ask him.

   Your Father knoweth what things ye have need of, before ye ask. Prayer is not informing God but meeting him. End the week resting in that: you are heard, and you were heard before you began.