Cloud and Fire

Sometimes as I travel I personally reflect on and pray the Lord’s Prayer, but as a Baptist pastor I have resisted using it much in a corporate worship situation…

As I reflect, ‘Jesus taught his disciples, this is how you should pray…’ ‘Our Father… give US this day… forgive US OUR debts as WE forgive… lead US not into temptation… deliver US…’

Firstly, it occurs to me that this is so obviously a community prayer, not the prayer of a solo traveller. As followers of Jesus, the norm is to be in community, not solo travelling…

Secondly, it is a morning prayer, to be said when the day (any day) is at its beginnings, in anticipation of every need or want both physical and spiritual in the day ahead.

Lastly, it also occurs to me that this is a ‘type’ of prayer, it is not needed to be recited by rote, but instead each element, forgiveness, holiness, physical needs, etc. represent a topic which should be covered in a typical morning prayer, where we acknowledge God is with us as we move forward with that day.

When I get back home I wonder how I can ‘play this out’ daily in community, I wonder just how it might change my walk with Jesus. Perhaps, the wee reflection is useful to you too in your own walk with Jesus.