It is not a metaphor, we are actually in a battle. The enemy seeks to pull us away from God. His goal is to have us place someone or something before the Lord. As we would not keep the LORD first in our hearts, then we have a skewed sense of who we are, and how we are to live.
As a means to combat Satan, I have learned the value of praying the Lord’s Prayer as an offensive weapon against the enemy. I pray each petition over my life, the lives of my family members, and the community of believers with whom I journey in this life. I invite you to consider using this prayer as a weapon. Pray it daily, pray it often. Think of it in terms of pushing back the enemy as you advance forward with the words taught to you by Jesus.
Our Father in heaven - (the LORD alone, nothing else before him).
Holy be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. (God’s character to dominate my life, God’s ruling in my life, God’s will in my life. With the same power in my life as it is in heaven!)
Give us this day our daily bread (God is the giver, I am not left defenseless against Satan’s desire to get me to complain. I live thankful for God’s provision).
Forgive us, as we forgive others. (Lord, let a spirit of forgiveness permeate all my relationships!)
Lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil. (God, protect me from that foe who attacks so regularly. Thank you that you are stronger than him!)
For thine is the kingdom… (God, fill my heart with praise, giving you the honor and glory in all I plan and do!)
Amen! (God, let’s move into this day, you and me, with all the joy that you provide through the life I have in your son, Jesus!).
God is with you always!
Pastor Al
Hey Brian: Thanks for posting this. A reminder to pray daily, without ceasing, these things. What stuck me while reading/praying, it really is all about God. For God. To God. Our prayers are not empty words. There is power and truth in His name. The name to which we pray.