I was really inspired by our discussion in class this week.
I loved Brother Griffin’s interpretation of the Beatitudes and how they apply
in the process and journey of repentance. Brother Griffin mentioned that he believes
that the beatitudes are less about the “why” and more of the “how” we can
repent. I loved that. And I wish to take that way of thinking and apply it to
another one of Christ’s teachings in the following chapter.
In Matthew 6:9-13 it says, “After this manner therefore pray
ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy
will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread.
And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into
temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power,
and the glory, for ever. Amen.”
The Savior’s teaching of “the Lord’s Prayer” is another
great example of Christ taking the time to teach “how” to be a disciple.
Personally I love the Lord’s Prayer because it serves as a great example of the
attitude that we should have as we approach our Heavenly Father in prayer.
If we dissect the prayer and look at each individual part we
will notice some unique characteristics.
“Our Father which art
in heaven, Hallowed be they name.”—We begin by addressing our Heavenly
Father with respect and reverence.
“They kingdom come.
They will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.”—We recognize that it is
not our will but the Father’s that will be done.
“Give us this day our
daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And lead us
not into temptation, but deliver us from evil:”—We should recognize that
we are reliant on Heavenly Father for our sustenance (both physical and spiritual),
and we should be willing to grant the same mercy to others that we have been
granted. And lastly we pray for the strength and guidance to overcome the temptation
that Heavenly Father allows us to have.
”For thine is the kingdom,
and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen”—we give all glory to him and
don’t think to take any for ourselves (and we
pray in the name of Jesus Christ because he is our advocate with the Father –
for obvious reasons the Savior did not do this).
Christ showed us the attitude that we should have as we pray—he
taught us how we should pray. I think
it is interesting that even as the Only Begotten of the Father that he still
approached Heavenly Father in reverence and submissiveness. If the Creator had
need to submit himself to the Father, how much greater is our need to submit
ourselves to His will?
I feel that if we take the time to recognize who we are talking to and take time to
think about how we can more humbly approach Heavenly Father in prayer, our
prayers will become more meaningful.
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