WHY WE PRAY LORD’S PRAYER & INCLUDED APOSTLE’S CONFESSION IN OUR WORSHIP?
To some, it might be strange and yet for others, it is much customary. However, if someone comes to realise its importance and need for identifying with the original faith from first-century church, they will appreciate our initiative to keep the Lord’s flock in the direction original of faith. So, what’s the idea behind these prayers & confession?
First, let’s get started with “The Lord’s Prayer.”
Or call it “The Disciple’s Prayer” I believe, the later title serves better rendering of the meaning.
“Now Jesus was praying in a certain place, and when he finished, one of his disciples said to him, “Lord, teach us to pray, as John taught his disciples.” (Luke 11:1, ESV)
“After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.” (Matthew 6:9-13, KJV)
So, this is clearly a prayer pattern for all disciples of Christ, and for all ages. This prayer saturates much of the Kingdom’s principles, which are paramount values for God’s children lives.
Our purposes of usage are to remind people of God about the return of our chief shepherd to establish His consummated kingdom on the earth. And second, to encourage believers to live by heavenly principles.
Thus, if we pray every time with its intended principle, and with intense essence, not making it as vain repetition or recitation, or using it for some sort magical formula to perform a spell or invoke a divine blessing, then it shall become a valuable asset for our spiritual life.
Therefore, we enjoy praying the Lord’s prayer in the Holy Spirit and proclaiming the coming of the Lord.
Secondly, let’s talk about “Apostle’s Confession.”
Read the following verse and test whether you are consciously or unconsciously following the same faith that which apostles delivered?
“Beloved, although I was very eager to write to you about our common salvation, I found it necessary to write appealing to you to contend for the faith that was once for all delivered to the saints.” (Jude 1:3, ESV)
“New faith” is nothing less than a direct flight to “hell!” If you ever care about yours or your loved one’s soul not risking it to the mouth of eternal punishment, then beware of what sort of faith you are following? Someone rightly said, “All that glitters are not gold!” or “All white is not milk!” So, nor do everyone who dance & sing in Jesus’ name necessarily have come from the Father of light!
According to our Lord’s teaching in John 17:3, the correct knowledge of faith is not only important but much necessary. One cannot reach his/her house going in the wrong direction, thus correct knowledge of faith is vital for one’s salvation.
We are serious about what we follow and preach in the Church of Christ(Acts 20:28). The only way we can be delivered and find Father’s eternal door is by truth alone, and by nothing else.
These days we’re surrounded by tons of choices and varieties. Some may say, “All road lead to Rome!” but not for heaven nor for salvation says the Lord! (Read, Jer. 6:16)
See the roots of cult teaching back then in the early Christian church still being followed with nice glitter and smokescreen to hide the real face in our times.
“Whoa!” you might say, I didn’t understand that, well, by this confession we directly reject the cultic teachings, like;
- Godless Science – Which rejects the creator but embrace the idea of creation as self-originated
- Non-trinitarian teaching(that is, not believing in Father, Son and Holy Spirit)
- Directly rejecting teachings of Muslims; who deny Jesus as the son of God, the Saviour of the world.
- Answering the people who deny the sinlessness of Jesus Christ, by tracing that Christ is, born of Holy Spirit, and by the virginity of mother Mary, this makes Jesus unique person among all men and truly acceptable sacrifice before God for our salvation.
The Apostles Confession may be concise but it has kernel truth to defend and shield against the Christian-cult, Non-Christian cults and Godless science.
Thus, any teaching directly or indirectly contradicting this profound truth(Apostle’s Confession) is drifting away from the original faith of the Apostles delivered to us.
Eventually,
In our assembly, some follow it with solidarity and yet others with child-like practice, yet we encourage them to continue, for we understand in due time Holy Spirit will reveal & help his children to mature and proclaim His truth!
I hope this brief writing helps you to get an idea behind our practice of “Lord’s prayer and Apostle Confession of faith.” Need more light on this subject, please do let us know, God Bless!
