Heaven on Earth

Father, we pray that your name will always be kept holy. We pray that your kingdom will come.

Luke 11:2b ICB

Do you ever wonder if your prayers make a difference? It can be tempting to leave the task to the heavy hitters—those prayer warriors with a gift for praying.

But you and I are invited to pray, as well. We are ushered into the very throne room of the Most High God! He allows us to join him in bringing heaven into our lives and world.

The wording Jesus used in some verses indicates he assumed we would pray. Jesus said to them, ‘When you pray, say…’ (Luke 11:2a ICB). When you pray, don’t…(Matthew 6:5 NLT).

What should we pray for? Whatever you want God to be a part of.

Jesus gave us some specifics to pray.

Pray for yourself. Pray that you might be strong…(Luke 21:36 NLT). Pray that you will not give in to temptation (Luke 22:40). Give us our food we need each day. Forgive our sins (Luke 11:3-4). You and I need God’s help to be strong, to resist temptation, to get our daily provisions met, and to receive forgiveness.

Pray for other people. Pray for those who persecute you (Matthew 5:44 NLT)! Pray to God that he will send more workers to help gather his harvest (Luke 10:2 ICB). One way to love those who mistreat us is to pray for them—for God’s blessings and for a change of heart. Jesus also wants us to pray for more people to share the message of salvation and to show God’s love to others.

Pray for our cities, our country and our leaders. Pray for the leaders so we can have quiet and peaceful lives—lives full of worship and respect for God (1 Timothy 1:2 ICB). We can also pray for leaders of other countries so the people may enjoy quiet and peaceful lives devoted to God.

Have you talked to God today? Your prayers make a difference!

Terri Vardeman