A five fold pattern of Prayer based on the Lord’s Prayer.

A five fold pattern of Prayer based on the Lord’s Prayer.

If you want to pray for 5 minutes – maybe you can spend a minute (or more) praying using the Lord’s Prayer as a pattern.

1  1.  Start with adoration – remember who you are speaking with, and give God thanks for the blessings you have received.  “Our Father in heaven, Hallowed by your name.”

2  2.  Ask for God’s perspective on the things you are praying for (this might be a good time to read some scripture and consider what it has to say about your concerns.  This also means being willing to be a part of the answer to your own prayers.  “Your kingdom come, your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.”

3   3.       Tell God about your concerns for yourself and others.  We call this petition and intercession. “Give us this day our daily bread.”

4   4.        Talk to God about your relationships – Not just the things you want for yourself and others but the relationships themselves.  Reflect on whether you have done things God calls sin and hurt your relationships, and as you ask for forgiveness for your sins – be willing to offer that same forgiveness to others.   “Forgive us our trespasses, as we also have forgiven those who trespass against us.”  It
may be worth googling the “daily examen” as a good way to reflect on your past actions and relationships.

5  5.      Commit your day and your future into God’s hands.  What challenges and opportunities has God given you in the day to come? What threats might be coming?  Ask God for guidance and strength to face them.  “Lead us not into temptation,  but deliver us from evil.”