When we pray, sometimes we need a reminder of whom we are praying to. Yes, we know we are praying to God, but sometimes we forget all of His attributes and characteristics. At times, we need to be reminded that the God we are praying to is the God of the universe who is all-powerful, all-knowing, and with us right now. Because God contains all of these attributes and more, we can turn to Him for help and protection when we pray.
This week, we have been learning from a model prayer that Jesus taught us today in Matthew 6. Today, we will examine the final part of this model prayer, as recorded in Matthew 6. As He concluded His teaching about prayer, Jesus taught us to pray these words in Matthew 6, "And don't let us yield to temptation, but rescue us from the evil one" (verse 13). As we pray, Jesus invites us to pray for protection. Specifically, He invites us to pray for protection against temptation and the evil one in a world that is filled with temptation and attacks from the enemy. How remarkable that we have a God who offers help and protection. He cares about us so deeply that He wants to help us. Even more, He holds all the power and control and is the only one capable of rescuing and saving us.
The apostle Paul writes about God's power in Ephesians 3. In this passage of Scripture, He writes, "Now, all glory to God, who is able, through His mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think" (verse 20). God's power is indeed mighty. He can accomplish anything. He can accomplish more than we even know to ask. He has overcome sin and death. His power is infinitely greater than the enemy and the temptation he throws at us. That is the God we pray to.
In what area of your life do you need God's help and protection? You can turn to Him today and ask Him for help. He is capable of taking care of you. He holds all of the power and will walk with you every step of the way.
As we conclude this week of Bible study together, take a moment to pray for God's protection today. Begin your prayer by saying, "God, help me stay away from…" Ask Him to guide you and lead you on the right path and to protect you. Thank Him for all He has done for you and for the assurance that He never leaves your side.
1When I think of all this, I, Paul, a prisoner of Christ Jesus for the benefit of you Gentiles . . . 2 assuming, by the way, that you know God gave me the special responsibility of extending his grace to you Gentiles. 3 As I briefly wrote earlier, God himself revealed his mysterious plan to me. 4 As you read what I have written, you will understand my insight into this plan regarding Christ. 5 God did not reveal it to previous generations, but now by his Spirit he has revealed it to his holy apostles and prophets.
6 And this is God’s plan: Both Gentiles and Jews who believe the Good News share equally in the riches inherited by God’s children. Both are part of the same body, and both enjoy the promise of blessings because they belong to Christ Jesus. 7 By God’s grace and mighty power, I have been given the privilege of serving him by spreading this Good News.
8 Though I am the least deserving of all God’s people, he graciously gave me the privilege of telling the Gentiles about the endless treasures available to them in Christ. 9 I was chosen to explain to everyone this mysterious plan that God, the Creator of all things, had kept secret from the beginning.
10 God’s purpose in all this was to use the church to display his wisdom in its rich variety to all the unseen rulers and authorities in the heavenly places. 11 This was his eternal plan, which he carried out through Christ Jesus our Lord.
12 Because of Christ and our faith in him, we can now come boldly and confidently into God’s presence. 13 So please don’t lose heart because of my trials here. I am suffering for you, so you should feel honored.
14 When I think of all this, I fall to my knees and pray to the Father, 15 the Creator of everything in heaven and on earth. 16 I pray that from his glorious, unlimited resources he will empower you with inner strength through his Spirit. 17 Then Christ will make his home in your hearts as you trust in him. Your roots will grow down into God’s love and keep you strong. 18 And may you have the power to understand, as all God’s people should, how wide, how long, how high, and how deep his love is. 19 May you experience the love of Christ, though it is too great to understand fully. Then you will be made complete with all the fullness of life and power that comes from God.
20 Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think. 21 Glory to him in the church and in Christ Jesus through all generations forever and ever! Amen.
