Jesus teaches a simple prayer that tells us exactly how to begin our life of conversation with God. Jesus prefaces this prayer with telling us to be honest before God. (Yesterday’s part one.) He reminds again today, that our attitude is even more important than our words. God hears our hearts anyway. The words we say put into perspective who God is, what we are asking, and why we are asking or telling God so that we will know and understand ourselves along with our hearts.

I think out loud as I try to understand arising situations of life. My husband has caught on my need to do this and obliges me. God does that even better. He knows, in our talk (prayer) with Him that we are struggling to make sense of what is going on around us. Sometimes we don’t even come up with a question to ask God, but we still pray. Guess what? That is completely acceptable to God! He desires, most of all, our honesty. The Holy Spirit will say the words for us. Jesus, our Advocate, will translate what is most needed for us to Our Heavenly Father! Yes, my Jesus knows just what I need…and I’m singing that old hymn that comes to mind.

With that being said…let’s read what Jesus says:

“The world is full of so-called prayer warriors who are prayer-ignorant. They’re full of formulas and programs and advice, peddling techniques for getting what you want from God. Don’t fall for that nonsense. This is your Father you are dealing with, and he knows better than you what you need. With a God like this loving you, you can pray very simply. Like this:

‘Our Father in heaven,
Reveal who you are.
Set the world right;
Do what’s best–as above, so below.
Keep us alive with three square meals.
Keep us forgiven with you and forgiving others.
Keep us safe from ourselves and the Devil.
You’re in charge!
You can do anything you want!
You’re ablaze in beauty!
Yes. Yes. Yes.’

“In prayer there is a connection between what God does and what you do. You can’t get forgiveness from God, for instance, without also forgiving others. If you refuse to do your part, you cut yourself off from God’s part.” –Jesus…Matthew 6, Msg

Dear Heavenly Father, You have revealed Yourself through Your Word this morning in the words of Jesus. Thank you for helping us to understand ourselves (what we need to lose) in connection to You more and more (what we gain in knowing You more). Yes, You are in charge. You are God! And we are not. Why would we not trust in You and be honest with You? You know everything. You know what’s best for each of us and you know just what we need at the right time. Thank you for knowing, loving, and showing us your grace and mercy through forgiveness as we forgive others.
In Jesus Name, Amen!

And I’m singing…My Jesus knows just what I need, yes He knows just what I need…He satisfies, every need supplies, yes He knows just what I need…