Day 7: Say a little prayer

February 20, Day 7: Mathew 6:7-15 

I only realized when I was doodling 'day 7' in my notebook when P happened to glance at it and pointed out that it's been 7 days that I've been doing this! think this is the first time I've ever stuck to anything remotely religious at a stretch, for this long. Voluntarily, that is. It feels good to realize that I can persist on specific things if I want to.

I was given a stunning playlist of music: The Porter's Gate Worship Project. Haven't been moved by music in ages, but this is just lovely - both music, lyrics and feeling.

Before I read the verse today, I just sat with this for a bit. In fact, later on, my toddler lay completely still in my arms, and we shared long, cuddly moments just listening to these. Such a great start to the day! On to the Bible verse

Today's verse is from Mathew 6: 7-15,
 And when you pray, do not keep on babbling like pagans, for they think they will be heard because of their many words. Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him.
 “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.And forgive us our debts,    as we also have forgiven our debtors.
And lead us not into temptation,    but deliver us from the evil one.’
For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you.  But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.
-------------------

Thoughts: The Lord's prayer has always been one of my favourite prayer as it's just simple and universal. It speaks to people of all faiths. I've always felt that it covers everything a prayer should.  

Our Father in Heaven - Acknowledging there is a great force outside of little ole' us
Holy be your name - You are the awesome-est. Like a million Obamas and Gandhis and M.Theresas combined but infinitely better.
Your Kingdom come - Let your peace spread to our troubled world and to troubled people.
Your will be done - Coz' You know everything, you are infinite. 
Give us our daily bread - Keep us materially and physical comfy.
Forgive us our sins - Help us deal with our mistakes and wrong doings and our ignorance.
As we forgive others - Allow us to look past slights, hurts and disappointments from other people.
Do not bring us to the test - Help us choose the "good" path over the bad by helping us listen to our inner conscience. 
Deliver us from evil - Protect us from dangers of body, mind and soul. 

Takeaway:  Prayer is not just  about giving God a list of petitions. True prayer is about admitting we are weak, and giving up control to Him that is infinitely greater than us. It's about being in the moment. It's about reflection. It's about awareness. It's about surrender. 

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