by john Bradford
in ePub, .mobi & .pdf formats
"Godly Meditations upon the Lord's Prayer" by John Bradford is an exploration of one of Christianity's most cherished prayers. First printed in 1562 by Rouland Hall, this timeless work considers each petition of the Lord's Prayer, offering rich theological insights and practical guidance for believers seeking a closer relationship with God.
In this short treatise, Bradford meticulously examines the nature and necessity of prayer, breaking down its components and the attitudes required for true communion with God. The book opens with a comprehensive introduction that outlines nine essential aspects of understanding prayer, including its definition, types, importance, and the proper approach to it.
Bradford's meditation on the invocation "Our Father" beautifully underscores the intimate relationship believers have with God, emphasizing His role as a loving and providential parent. He skillfully connects this relationship to the broader context of God's historical acts of salvation, drawing from biblical narratives to illustrate God's faithfulness and grace.
As the meditation progresses, each subsequent phrase of the Lord's Prayer is unpacked with meticulous care. For instance, "Hallowed be thy name" becomes a call to recognize and honour God's holiness in both private devotion and public witness. Bradford's reflections on "Thy kingdom come" reveal a deep yearning for God's rule to be manifest both universally and particularly within the Church and individual lives.
In "Thy will be done," readers are encouraged to submit to God's sovereign will, trusting in His wisdom and goodness even when circumstances are challenging. Bradford's treatment of "Give us this day our daily bread" reminds believers of God's provision for their physical needs while also urging a contented and grateful heart.
The plea for forgiveness in "Forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors" is explored with a focus on the transformative power of God's grace, which not only absolves sin but also enables believers to extend forgiveness to others. In "Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil," Bradford highlights the dangers of spiritual complacency and the need for divine protection against the subtleties of sin and the malice of Satan.
Concluding with "For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever," Bradford leads readers into a doxology of praise, acknowledging God's eternal sovereignty and majesty.
"Godly Meditations upon the Lord's Prayer" is a heartfelt devotional guide. Bradford's profound insights, drawn from scripture and enriched by his own spiritual journey, offer readers a path to deeper faith and a more fervent prayer life. This classic work remains a valuable resource for anyone seeking to understand and live out the teachings of the Lord's Prayer more fully
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Table of Contents
Instructions to be observed concerning Prayer.
Our Father
Which art in heaven.
Hallowed be thy name.
Let thy kingdom come.
Thy will be done.
Give us this day our daily bread.
Forgive us our debts, as we forgive them that are debtors unto us.
Lead us not into temptation.
For thine is the kingdom, thine is the power, thine is the glory forever.