The Old Testament Lord’s Prayer – Part Two

In the Old Testament era followers of Jehovah were taught a special prayer which gave cause for optimism. It is often called the equivalent of the Lord’s Prayer in the Old Testament. It is known as the Aaronic Benediction.

“The LORD bless you and keep you; The LORD make His face shine upon you, And be gracious to you; The LORD lift up His countenance upon you, And give you peace.”

Doctors of Mayo Clinic did a study resulting in them making a four equal armed cross composed of factors leading to a better lifestyle and health. They are:

WORK, PLAY, LOVE, AND WORSHIP.

First, work. There is therapy in work well done. A sense of satisfaction relieves stress. The way in which work should be done is found in Colossians 3: 23: “And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men.”

Put yourself into your work as though creating a work of art to be viewed by the Lord Himself. 

Second, play. Unplug, recreate, and enjoy amusement. Allow yourself to relax and laugh.

Stress, prolonged fatigue, negative emotions, and a pessimistic outlook flood the body with toxins. They release chemical toxins within your body. Don’t make your body a toxic waste dump by depriving it of play.

Health is no laughing matter, but it does help if you laugh.

The body is under a biochemical onslaught. Mounting research makes it clear that one’s attitude and emotional state are impressively vital to the preservation of health and recovery from illness.

Third, love.  Try giving yourself away. If you try loving and giving yourself away, there will be lots of offers.

A short version of Jesus’ summation of the law is simply, “You shall love…” He went on to conclude the statement saying, “You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.” (Matthew 22:37)

Don’t look upon God with suspicion. Release yourself to love Him.

Fourth, worship. A clarion call to worship and an unequaled example is found in the book of the Revelation. 

The only way we can stay alert to the reality of God in Christ ruling and saving is in the act of worship.

Worship is the primary means we have to orientate ourselves to God’s will. Therein and thereby we are informed and energized.

Worship is not to be  limited to one hour on Sunday, but should be a part of every day.

Make sure you daily include equally all four of these life points of the cross.