Stress Test Devotional May 4
May 04, 2024
MATTHEW 6:9-13 | 9 "Pray then in this way: Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name. 10 Your kingdom come. Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. 11 Give us this day our daily bread. 12 And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. 13 And do not bring us to the time of trial, but rescue us from the evil one.
This is an actual prayer, powerful and complete in just four verses. It is also a model prayer. Today try praying it in reverse. Begin by focusing on your trials and temptations. Ask God to turn your trials into tests that you’ll pass and in so doing strengthen your soul. This is what Jesus experienced in his temptations. The word for
temptation, by the way, is the same as for test or trial.
Next think of anyone you need to forgive or anyone to who you owe a debt. Pray for these people and for your attitude to them. Then offer up all your material and social concerns and burdens, those you feel for yourself and others. Include economic problems and injustices.
Complete your prayer time by envisioning the day when the kingdom will be fully realized—the end of crime, war, suffering, death, confusion, exploitation, greed and evil. Spend some time longing and aching for this day. Ask God to show you how to advance the kingdom in a small way in your own life today.
Finally, bask in the presence of God himself, your blessed Father. Pray some of his beautiful names. Offer any praises you want to and any thanksgivings.
Pray the Lord’s Prayer forward, remembering your earlier petitions and needs.
