Ur Of Jesus’ deeply personal prayers are models for my own prayer life in these desperately trying times.
Father, I thank Thee…
Here is an intimate prayer, just a heartfelt “thank you” not addressed to “Our Father,” but simply the affectionate Abba (Father). I suspect it was by far his most frequent prayer, as it should be mine.
He thanked his Father for His mission, and for the method He, his Father, uses to accomplish His mighty purposes. It is a method which tests naked hearts: a method which reveals and rewards humble obedience, and exposes religious pride for the ugly pretence that it is (Matt. 11:25): a method which shows the Way to the meek, lowly and contrite who decide for Jesus and at the same time actually “hides” the truth from the worldly wise and “prudent,” those who count the cost and deliberately decide against him.
Jesus also thanked his Father for so abundantly answering his prayers (John 11:41). How often must he have prayed this prayer as his Father and his God did so many “mighty works” through him! And as our Father deigns to perform His wonders through me, let me model my prayers of thanks on his.
Father, glorify Thy Son…
Jesus’ longest and most moving recorded prayer was for his Father’s glory, not his own (John 17). Surely a model prayer for me. A prayer for unity in the Lord, for love, for gentleness and compassion, for understanding of one another, for fruit to God’s glory from faithful witness.
Father, take this cup from me…
I can never read Mark 14:36 without trembling. How many times when I walk the streets with injury and death lurking at every corner, the times when I am suddenly looking down the barrel of a gun, the times when I try to live a faithful Christian life in a violent society full of anger and hate, do I pray this desperate prayer! Am I a coward? Has my faith altogether gone? Why, in spite of so many deliverances, is there cold sweat upon my neck? I tell myself that my Lord was tempted and tried in all points as I am, and then I have a peace within to accept God’s will, however hard and rocky the way to life.
Father forgive them…
Luke 23:34 is the hardest prayer of them all. But this was the essence of everything the Son of God came to display: abounding forgiveness. How often have I struggled with this prayer! This person has hurt me, that one has misunderstood me, the other one has slighted me, over there is one who has treated me like dirt. And am I to forgive them all, totally, completely, in the manner of my King?
You supply the answer.
The Origin of the Organic World – Part One