One of the ways I am praying during my Personal Worship Time is the Lord’s Prayer. But I’m praying it in a particular way that makes it a rich time: I pray one phrase and then I pause. During that pause I reflect on what I just said and what it means to me. It is just a moment or two; nothing too long, unless I sense the Spirit wanting me to linger on it longer.

Here is an example of how I pause and reflect after each phrase of the Lord’s Prayer:

“Our Father who art in heaven” – You are my heavenly Father, the one who created me, redeemed me, and loves me. And You are also the Sovereign of the Universe who reigns over all things from Your the heavenly throne.

“Hallowed be Thy name” – God, you are holy. You are the Name above all names. Your Name represents Your attributes (Truth, Righteousness, Love, Power). As the angelic host honor Your name, so I choose to honor Your name through my thoughts, words and deeds.

“Thy Kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven” – May You reign over all things, beginning with my heart. I subject my will, my agenda today so that Your will is accomplished in and through my life.

“Give us this day our daily bread” – I need You. I need physical, emotional, practical, spiritual provisions that come from Your hand. Help me to recognize how You meet my every need today.

“Forgive us our trespasses” – Forgive the ways I have failed you and others. Forgive my sins of commission and omission. Forgive my lousy attitudes, my disrespect, my self-centeredness, and my fearful living.

“As we forgive those who trespass against us” – I let all who offended me, hurt me, neglected me, caused me pain (perceived or real), off the hook. As You forgave me, I forgive them. I choose the path of love and blessing toward all of them.

“And lead us not into temptation” – God, You know how easy it is for me to get distracted and derailed. Block my path to meeting needs in illegitimate and unrighteous ways. Guide me far away from those things and thoughts and opportunities that are ungodly.

“But deliver us from evil” – Lord, I need Your protection. Sin crouches at my door. My enemy the devil seeks to devour me. My flesh wants to rebel against You. Protect me from all the forces of darkness without and within.

“For Thine is the kingdom” – You are the Ruler, the King. Everything belongs to You.

“The power” – All authority is Yours. There is nothing outside of Your ability. Nothing can thwart You or stand in Your way.

“And the glory forever” – You alone deserve the credit of all things good, wonderful, wise, and majestic. You will end all things well. May I be part of Your forever ending. May I glorify Your name today!

“Amen” – Yes, I believe this with all my heart!

Try praying the Lord’s Prayer with pauses and see if it opens up your connection with God.