The Lord’s Prayer

Our Father in heaven,

may your name be kept holy.

May your Kingdom come soon.

May your will be done on earth,

as it is in heaven.

Give us today the food we need,

and forgive us our sins,

as we have forgiven those who sin against us.

And don’t let us yield to temptation,

but rescue us from the evil one.

Matthew 6:9-13

When you go to a restaurant, you don’t just order “some food”; you make specific requests. In the same way, Jesus’ prayer reminds us to be specific when we ask God for something.

Use the Lord’s Prayer as a guide for specific prayer. Start by acknowledging the one you are approaching—the almighty God, whose name should be honored by everyone everywhere. Recommit yourself to his Kingdom and his purposes. Confess your sins, and pray that the Lord will protect you from succumbing to any further temptations. And finally, ask the Lord for what you need that day. God is waiting to pour out his blessing and resources on you—if you only will ask.

• Dear Lord, may your will be done . . .