Scripture to Read: Luke 11:3–4
As Jesus continued to give the disciples the model prayer, we find this recorded in Luke 11:3–4, “‘Give us each day our daily bread. 4 And forgive us our sins, for we ourselves also forgive everyone who is indebted to us. And lead us not into temptation.’” God had Matthew record it like this in Matthew 6:11–13, “‘Give us this day our daily bread. 12 And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. 13 And do not lead us into temptation, but deliver us from evil.’” Jesus shows us that we need to lay our needs before God the Father. We should never take for granted that our needs will be met. God reminds us in James 1:17, “Every good thing given and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shifting shadow.” God is our Provider, and we must thank Him for all He has already provided but also ask Him to continue to provide. Our daily prayers need to include our needs for each day. Our prayers need to focus on thanking God the Father for His incredible forgiveness that we have through our Lord Jesus Christ. Because of His forgiveness, we must always forgive those who have wronged us. God tells us in Ephesians 4:32, “Be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving each other, just as God in Christ also has forgiven you.” We must also realize our strength in the face of temptation comes from Him alone (Ephesians 6:10–18).
Challenge & Application
What aspects of your prayer life include the things God taught you to include today?
What things in your prayer life have been lacking that you need to add in, and how do you see God providing you with what you need?
Don’t forget to pray using the A.C.T.S. (Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, Supplication) method!