Living The Lord's Prayer ... Who art in heaven. Hallowed be thy name

First Covenant Church of Willmar

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Living The Lord's Prayer ... Who art in heaven. Hallowed be thy name

January 14, 2024 • Pastor Chris Pappenfus • Philippians 2:1–11

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Last Sunday, we began our sermon series on the LORD’s Prayer. When Jesus’ disciples asked their Rabbi to teach them to pray as he did, he gave them the prayer that we have come to know as the LORD’s Prayer. Last week, we focused on the opening two words of the prayer, “Our Father.” This is more than a simple opening salutation directing the destination of our petitions; it is a declaration of who God is. In declaring who God is, we also recognize who we are in relation to God. This is further clarified by Jesus’ encouragement to pray to our God who is in heaven and whose name is to be hallowed. Our God is transcendent. Yet, the God who is in heaven has taken on human flesh in the incarnation. God was willing to humble himself and put on the flesh of His creation, the way of the disciple is also found in humility as we adore God's presence. This adoration allows us to be mindful of Christ's presence with us even though we are sinners and invites his grace and mercy to lead us into true repentance and unceasing prayer.

In preparation for this Sunday, meditate on Philippians 2:1-11

Living the Prayer Jesus Gave Us: "Lead Us Not Into Temptation, But Deliver Us From Evil."

February 11, 2024 • Pastor Chris Pappenfus • Matthew 6:13

This Sunday, we will complete our series, “Living the Prayer Jesus Gave Us.” The LORD’s prayer is a wonderful gift to us and when we take the time to reflect on our prayer of declaration, submission, petition, and adoration, we see that this is prayer meant to impact our lives - everyday, all day. The final petition of the LORD’s prayer acknowledges our human frailty and the existence of an enemy determined to keep God’s children from drawing near to our Father in Heaven. We pray, “lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.” Temptations are all around us, and so we must be on guard and put our trust in the Holy Spirit who will provide us the spiritual strength and will to overcome.

Living the Prayer He Gave Us "Forgive Us Our Sins As We Forgive Those Who Sin Against Us."

February 4, 2024 • Pastor Chris Pappenfus • Matthew 5:38–48, Matthew 18:21–35, Mark 2:13–17, Luke 15

In the Gospel of Matthew 6:9-15, Jesus teaches his followers to pray and emphasizes the important work of forgiveness. God’s grace and mercy (expressed in the gift of forgiveness) is the center of the good news of Jesus. Praying for forgiveness is a vivid reminder that God frees us from debilitating guilt (covering over our shame) with the blood of Jesus for the sins of humanity. If God can forgive us, we are motivated to forgive others, showing mercy and compassion. Our process of inner healing will often ripple beyond ourselves in waves of mercy and forgiveness experienced through us by those around us. Mark 2:13-17; Luke 15:1-32. Matthew 5:38-48; 18:21-35.

Living the Prayer He Gave Us - “Give us this day our daily bread.”

January 28, 2024 • Pastor Chris Pappenfus • Matthew 18:1–5

The LORD’s Prayer is named because it is Jesus who gave us the prayer. However, it is more accurate to call it “The Disciple’s Prayer” because, for 2000 years, Jesus’ followers have turned to this prayer in our petitions and humble submission. The second petition of the prayer instructs us to pray for our Father’s provision in our daily needs. Specifically, “Give us this day our daily bread.” For many, this is the most comfortable and familiar portion of the prayer. It most accurately reflects the most common practice of prayer; a sincere desire for God to meet our needs on a daily basis. Yet, living this petition in sincere faith requires a posture that is significantly counter-cultural. A posture of child-like faith. Join us this Sunday, as Pastor Chris explores the second petition of the LORD’s Prayer. In preparation, read Matthew 18:1-5.