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.
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.”
