Morning & Evening Devotional Reading–

October 29– Morning

 by C. H. Spurgeon, revised and edited by W. C. Neff

“Pray like this: Our Father in heaven…” 

—Matthew 6:9

This prayer begins where all true prayer must— that is, with the spirit of adoption. God is “Our Father.” There is no acceptable prayer until we can say, “I will arise, and go to my Father.” This child-like spirit soon perceives the grandeur of the Father “in heaven” and ascends to devout adoration as we pray for his name to be “hallowed.” The child lisping, “Abba, Father,” becomes like the angel who cries out, “Holy, Holy, Holy.”

But this season of rapturous worship immediately produces a glowing missionary spirit which is a sure outgrowth of fond love and reverent adoration. We immediately pray, “Your kingdom come, your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.” Next follows the heartfelt expression of dependence on God, “Give us this day our daily bread.” And, since our need as sinners is to know the mercy of God, we ask him for mercy, “Forgive us our debts as we forgive our debtors.”

Then, after being pardoned, having the righteousness of Christ imputed to us, and knowing his acceptance with God, we humbly ask him for holy perseverance. The one who is really forgiven is concerned not to repeat his offense. We want to be set apart for his holy purpose, so we pray, “Don’t lead us into temptation, but deliver us from evil.”

As the result of all this, there follows a triumphant ascription of praise to God. We rejoice that to him belongs “the kingdom, the power, and the glory, for ever and ever, Amen.” We rejoice that our King reigns in providence and shall reign in grace– from the river even to the ends of the earth, and of his dominion there shall be no end.

In this way, from a sense of adoption up to fellowship with our reigning Lord, this short model of prayer instructs the soul. Lord, teach us to pray like this. [M&E]