Often in life there are many things which we want to become or do, but cannot because we are held back by something else. The same is true for Christians.
This might particularly be felt by those who have been Christian for a while. Early on, you are in awe of everything that God has done for you in Christ, and all that he has planned. This gives you energy and drive. But as time goes on, you recognise that there is a dragging weight of the consequences of sin, and past and current failures.
So, in the Lord’s prayer having been given a vision for God’s good reality:
‘Our Father in heaven,
hallowed be your name,
your kingdom come,
your will be done,
on earth as it is in heaven.’
Our daily needs:
‘Give us today our daily bread.’
We pray for freedom from that which holds us back from honouring God’s name, desiring his kingdom and doing his will:
‘forgive us our debts,
as we also have forgiven our debtors.
And lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from the evil one.’
True freedom is to be released from sin and temptation, so we can live for God who is completely good.
Do you pray to be free?
– Sam Pursell