The topic and practice of prayer is a matter of significant value and worth, but it is so often neglected for other things that vie for our attention. Sometimes praying can seem difficult and distant, but it is vital to our relationship with God.
The Lord’s Prayer was given to born again believers to draw us into a worshipful, dependent, grateful, and trusting relationship with God. Divided into two parts, it is a brief, yet comprehensive guide that teaches us how to pray properly. The first part directs our attention in worship to God the Father in heaven, and the second part addresses our human needs and sinful condition on earth.
There are three petitions in each part. The first half of the prayer is defined by the word “your”—your name, your kingdom, your will. The second half is defined by the word “us”—give us, forgive us, lead us. Let’s look at each phrase briefly to better understand the importance of these sacred words.
The first three petitions direct our attention to God the Father:
“Our Father in heaven.”
This phrase tells us we are praying along with other believers to a caring God, our Father who hears, knows, and understands. In heaven directs us to the unparalleled seat of power, authority and greatness in heavenly realms. Father refers to God’s parental authority over us His children. It says that the sovereign God of the universe cares about His children and knows each of our personally.
“Hallowed be your name.”
God’s name is to be highly respected as it refers to who He is in His character and reputation. His name is sacred and holy and worthy of our reverence and honor. As believers we represent God the Father to the world by not taking His name in vain. We hallow His name by living in a way that obeys all His commandments and honors His authority in our lives.
“Your Kingdom come.”
Jesus often spoke to His disciples about the kingdom of God; it was the main concern of Jesus’ ministry. And we are told to pray that His kingdom will come, which it will, when He returns to earth to reign in the future. Revelation 22:20 says, “‘Surely, I am coming soon.’” Amen. Come, Lord Jesus!” Jesus’ kingdom is not of this world. It is a kingdom that will be established in the new heaven and new earth, and will last forever, and we believers will be part of it.
“Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.”
To pray these words is to surrender our wills to God’s will. Jesus is the ultimate example of this when He prayed in the Garden of Gethsemane, ‘Father, if you are willing, remove this cup from me. Nevertheless, not my will, but yours, be done” (Luke 22:42). God’s will includes pain and suffering, loss and sacrifice, along with the joys and pleasures of our earthly lives. We can pray these words with confidence because His will is good and acceptable and perfect (Romans 12:1-2).
The second three petitions guide us in praying for ourselves and for others:
“Give us this day our daily bread.”
We are to pray for God’s provision to take care of our bodies, which means all the physical and material needs of our lives—everyday bread and food, a job, shelter, health, and money to pay our bills. “Daily” means that we are to trust God to supply what we need every day, bread for each day. And as God provides, it should make us grateful and content with what He gives us, enough for each day and a bit more to help others in their need.
“Forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors.”
We are to pray for pardon, as this takes care of our soul and past sin. But we cannot ask God to give us what we are not willing to give to someone else, namely forgiveness. The Lord’s Prayer is given to believers whose past sins have been forgiven by the death of Christ on the cross. Jesus is saying that unless we forgive others for their sins against us, we will not be forgiven for our present sins. The mark of a forgiven person is having a forgiving spirit toward other people.
“And lead us not into temptation.”
James 1:13 says, “Let no one say when he is tempted, ‘I am being tempted by God,’ for God cannot be tempted with evil, and he himself tempts no one.” When God gives us a trial or test, Satan is waiting to turn it into a temptation. When we respond to a test in a Christlike way or resist Satan’s temptation to sin, we are victorious like Jesus who overcame Satan by the power of the Word of God.
“But deliver us from evil.”
We are to pray for protection from evil and the evil one. This takes care of our spirit and our future. Jesus prayed these words to His Father in the presence of His disciples, “I do not ask that you take them out of the world, but that you keep them from the evil one” (John 17:15). The word deliver means to snatch or rescue or save one from immediate danger, such as from Satan and his evil schemes against us. It is very proper to pray this request as often as we sense the power of a temptation or the presence of evil.
“For yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.”
And now we come to the summarization and the essence of God’s sovereign rule and the recognition of our dependence upon Him for salvation, provision and deliverance. This final benediction is not found in some of the modern translations of the Bible but is part of the text in the KJV and the NKJV. We are led to worship God and to acknowledge that all the glory in the universe belongs to Him.
Perhaps the Lord’s Prayer is the most powerful, perfect prayer that can be prayed. Let us pray it simply and often, knowing that God hears, honors, and answers this timeless prayer of faith.
***
Take God’s Word to Heart.
Life-Changing Bible Verses Every Woman Should Know, by Rebecca Lutzer, offers uplifting scriptural truths and timely reflections to help you abide in God’s unchanging love each and every day. As a result, you’ll gain clarity about what you believe and be able to speak the truth in love and bring hope to others around you.
While your circumstances, emotions, and health can change each day, God’s Word never changes.
Learn more about the book and how to purchase here.
Leave a Reply