i know that a lot of my friends read my utmost for his highest - and well, i do too, occasionally. oswald chambers is a wonderful vessel of wisdom from whom a lot can be gleaned. but. i absolutely love charles spurgeon. i have studied his sermons for years, and have learned so very much from this man of God. recently, i bought an updated version of his morning by morning - a collection of daily devotions (much like my utmost) and was so struck with yesterday’s that i just had to share with you.
// this, then, is how you should pray: ”our father in heaven, hallowed be your name…” (matthew 6:9)
from the pen of charles spurgeon:
the Lord’s prayer begins where all true prayer should begin - with the spirit of adoption: “our father.” no prayer is acceptable until we can say “i will arise and go to my father” (luke 15:18 kjv). this childlike spirit will then soon perceive the grandeur of the father “in heaven” and ascend to the devout adoration of “hallowed be your name.” the childish mouthing of “abba, father” (romans 8:15) quickly grows into the angelic cry, “holy, holy, holy” (isaiah 6:3).
then there is only one step from rapturous worship to a radiant missionary spirit, which is the certain outgrowth of devoted love and reverent adoration - “your kingdom come, your will be done on earth as it is in heaven” (matthew 6:10). next follows the heartfelt expression of dependence upon God: “give us this day our daily bread” (matthew 6:11). further illumination led by the Spirit takes us to the discovery that we are not only dependent but also sinful. hence the plea for mercy: “forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors” (matthew 6:12). once we have been pardoned, having the righteousness of Christ imputed to us and knowing we have been accepted by God, we humbly plead for holy perseverance: “lead us not into temptation” (matthew 6:13)
someone who is truly forgiven is eager not to offend again, for possessing justification leads one to a strong desire for sanctification. the phrase - “forgive us our debts” - is justification, while - “lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one” - is sanctification, stated in a negative and a positive way. finally, as a result of all this, a triumphant attribution of praise flows forth: “yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever, amen.” (matthew 6:13). we rejoice that our King reigns in sovereignty and shall reign in grace “from the River to the ends of the earth” (psalm 72:8) and that “his kingdom will never end” (luke 1:33).
in summary, from a sense of adoption that ultimately rises to the level of fellowship with our reigning Lord, this short model of prayer guides our soul.
// Lord, teach us to pray. (luke 11:1)
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