It’s So Simple…
Part Two Prayer
4/22/09

As I continue my journey to simplify I start to think about prayer. Can prayer be as simple as being loved by God? I’m beginning to believe that it can. When the disciples walked with Jesus they saw incredible things. They saw Jesus heal the sick, raise the dead and cast out demons. The disciples also saw him pray. After awhile they were healing the sick and casting out demons. Finally they came to Jesus and asked if he would teach them to pray. Now I’m no scholar but wouldn’t one think the disciples should have already known how to pray? Jesus taught them this simple prayer in Matthew 6:9:

"This, then, is how you should pray: "
'Our Father in heaven,
Hallowed be your name,
Your kingdom come,
Your will be done
On earth as it is in heaven.
Give us today our daily bread.
Forgive us our debts,
As we also have forgiven our debtors.
And lead us not into temptation,
But deliver us from the evil one (NIV)

(Some versions add the following)

For Yours is the kingdom and
The power and the glory forever. Amen. (NKJV)

I am reading the book “Building Your Personal House of Prayer” by Larry Kreider. Mr. Kreider builds an imaginary house using each line of this prayer as a room. I began to think about the simple beauty of this prayer and I started to consider my feelings about each line. I’m reminded how often I overcomplicate things. This prayer offers honesty, humility and most of all simplicity. Once again I realize my life will simplify if I focus on God and His ways. It’s so simple!