Jesus told us how to pray but did not give us the exact words to say. In fact, the words in Matthew are different from the words in Luke. And both are different from the words used by Christians today. The words have changed over the centuries as the meanings of words have changed. The model for prayer Jesus gave us is as follows: We acknowledge we are children of God who is holy. We ask for God’s will and kingdom to exist here and now on earth. We ask God to forgive our sins just as we forgive others. And we ask that we will be delivered from evil and not be subjected to the final trial, a time when the faith of many believers will be shaken.
Lord, help me to forgive others and do your will.
Reflections on the Word of God 