“And when you pray, do not be like the hypocrites, for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the street corners to be seen by men. I tell you the truth, they have received their reward in full. But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you. And when you pray, do not keep on babbling like pagans, for they think they will be heard because of their many words. Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him. “This, then, is how you should pray:
”‘Our Father in heaven,
hallowed be your name,
your kingdom come,
your will be done
on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us today our daily bread.
Forgive us our debts,
as we also have forgiven our debtors.
And lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from the evil one.’
For thine is the Kingdom, power and glory forever, Amen” – Matthew 6:5-13
Most of us memorized this special prayer when we were youngsters. The writers of the gospels and later theologians have called it The Lord’s Prayer. Jesus didn’t pray this prayer for Himself, for He had no reason to ask for forgiveness. Our Savior used it to help guide His disciples on how to pray. It more accurately could be called The Disciple’s Prayer.
The first three petitions of this prayer focus on the glory of God:
- “Our Father who art in Heaven” – He wishes to have us approach His holiness with the faith and love that a little child has for his daddy.
- “hallowed be your name” – We are to honor God for His character, this shows reference and praise.
- “Your kingdom come, your will be done on earth as it is in Heaven” – We can’t ask for His will until we let go of our will.
The second set of petitions focus on our personal needs:
- “Give us this day our daily bread” – Scripture tells us that He meets all our needs Phil. 4:19.
- “And forgive us our sins (debts, trespasses), just as we have forgiven those who have sinned against us.” – If we are clinging on to some un-confessed sin our fellowship with God will be broken. Let’s also remember to forgive those who sinned against us.
- “And lead us not into temptation” – We all need the conviction of the Holy Spirit and the guidance of God’s word to keep us from sinning (1 Cor. 10:13)
During your prayer time remember The Disciple’s Prayer and how we can immerse ourselves in His love.
—Dr. Jim Grassi