9 “This, then, is how you should pray: “‘Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, 10 your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. 11 Give us today our daily bread. 12 And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. 13 And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.’
Matthew 6:9-13 (NIV)
THE THREE CURRENTS OF PRAYER
1. THE INWARD CURRENT
23 Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. 24 See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.
Psalms 139:23-24 (NIV)
Where we are willing to admit and embrace our limitations are the exact places where we’ll most be able to feel and experience God’s love and grace.
2. THE UPWARD CURRENT
Kaddish (Jewish Prayer)
Exalted and hallowed be his great name in the world,
Which he created according to his will.
May he establish his kingdom in your lifetime and in your days,
And in the lifetime of the whole household of Israel,
Speedily and at a near time.
The Lord’s Prayer
Our Father in Heaven,
Hallowed be Your Name
Your kingdom come,
Your will be done,
On earth, as it is in heaven
3. THE OUTWARD CURRENT
10 your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.
Matthew 6:10 (NIV)
Be cautious about prayers that only ask to escape difficult situations. Learn to pray for God to invade them.