Luke 11:1-4 – ”Now Jesus was praying in a certain place. When he stopped, one of his disciples said to him, “Lord, teach us to pray, just as John taught his disciples.” ² So he said to them, “When you pray, say: Father may your name be honored; may your kingdom come.  ³ Give us each day our daily bread, ⁴ and forgive us our sins, for we also forgive everyone who sins against us.  And do not lead us into temptation.”

As I read, prayed, and meditated on the Word of God today, Luke 11 gripped my heart.    The amazing simplicity and clarity of the teachings of Jesus always amaze me.   In a few words, He makes life clear and reveals the heart of the Father and the visual of kingdom life.

One of the disciples asked Him for a model or pattern of prayer that they could implement. Jesus never gave formulas or meaningless rituals. His example contains what I call the 5 P’s.

• Praise is the beginning. “Father, may Your name be honored.”

It all begins with God being God. It all starts with recognition of His sovereignty and goodness. “Seek first…”

• Presence. “May Your kingdom come.”

The desire for God’s presence is not only a motivator but also a security for us. Where God’s presence is, there is peace and in His person wholeness.

• Provision. “Give us each day our daily bread.”

Give us what we need physically, relationally, materially, and spiritually for each today.

• Pardon. “And forgive us our sins, for we also forgive everyone who sins against us.”

Forgiveness is the key to wholeness. Any unforgiveness in our hearts locks out the peace of God and limits His provisions.

• Protection. “And do not lead us into temptation.”

Protection from the perils of temptation and the pollution of this world and the flesh. Protection from the curse of the enemy.    Protection from the flaming darts of accusation and condemnation. Protection in the shelter of God’s arms.

In that position, we are empowered to see our persistent prayers become realities.   We ask with confidence that we will be answered. We seek convinced we will find the answer and treasure.  We knock on the door, assured that it will be opened.

It all begins with praise and honoring God as the LORD of all.   We enter His presence and, in that secure covering, receive the provision, pardon, and protection.   We begin to live the abundant life Jesus brings and see the kingdom manifested daily.   We are able to embrace Psalm 91 as our personal promise and walk in the Isaiah 61 anointing, fulfilling the Great Commission. We have the invitation and a clear pathway to the place of promise. Let’s walk through that door!

Allow the 5 Ps of the Promise to permeate your life, persist into His presence, and embrace the Kingdom!   Victory is ours, so enjoy your day victoriously!