Isaiah 6:8 NLT Then I heard the Lord asking, “Whom should I send as a messenger to this people? Who will go for us?” I said, “Here I am. Send me.”
Dolores Smyth is a nationally published faith and parenting writer. She draws inspiration for her writing from everyday life. Connect with her over Twitter @byDoloresSmyth.
This article is part of our prayer resources meant to inspire and encourage your prayer life when you face uncertain times. Remember, the Holy Spirit intercedes for us, and God knows your heart even if you can’t find the words to pray.
Disciple Lesson 12 – The Lord’s Prayer
Matthew 6:5-15 NIV “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 others. Truly I tell you, 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.
And 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 if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.
christianity.com posting – Meaning of The Lord’s Prayer
Learn the true importance of The Lord’s Prayer as we examine the meaning and profound teaching in each of the phrases:
1. Our Father, Who Art in Heaven
The prayer opens simply enough with an address to Our Father, who art in Heaven. This address reaffirms our core belief as Christians that God is our celestial Father, both with us in spirit and above us in the perfect realm of Heaven. This opening address also unites Christians worldwide into one community of worshippers as we pray to “our” Father and not individually to “my” Father.
After this address, invoking the Lord, the seven petitions follow:
2. Hallowed Be Thy Name
Hallowed means holy or sanctified. God’s name is holy, as God is the epitome of sanctity. 1 Samuel 2:2 ‘There is no one holy like the Lord”
We, as Christians, understand that the Almighty Father is to be revered and praised above all else. In this petition, we pray that the entire world will recognize the holy name of God as the one true God of all, the Creator and Ruler of the universe.
3. Thy Kingdom Come
This petition is two-fold. First, we pray for the Kingdom of God to take form in the here and now so that we can live in a world characterized by faith, hope, and love.
1 Corinthians 13:13. ‘“Three things will last forever—faith, hope, and love—and the greatest of these is love.”
Second, we pray that the promise of a “new heaven and a new earth” be fulfilled. Revelation 21:1-4. ‘“Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the old heaven and the old earth had disappeared. And the sea was also gone. And I saw the holy city, the new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven like a bride beautifully dressed for her husband. I heard a loud shout from the throne, saying, “Look, God’s home is now among his people! He will live with them, and they will be his people. God himself will be with them. He will wipe every tear from their eyes, and there will be no more death or sorrow or crying or pain. All these things are gone forever.””
4. Thy Will Be Done on Earth as it Is in Heaven
Isaiah 30-18 “So the Lord must wait for you to come to him so he can show you his love and compassion. For the Lord is a faithful God. Blessed are those who wait for his help. His will is that we praise Him and love one another
Matthew 22:37-40. “Jesus replied, “‘You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. A second is equally important: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ The entire law and all the demands of the prophets are based on these two commandments.””
Praying this petition is an act of selfless surrender to the will of God. In particular, we humbly request that God give us the strength to follow His will, not ours, in living a life that glorifies Him and shows compassion and justice to others.
5. Give Us This Day Our Daily Bread
Just as good food nourishes the body, the Good News nourishes the soul.
Deuteronomy 8:3 “Yes, he humbled you by letting you go hungry and then feeding you with manna, a food previously unknown to you and your ancestors. He did it to teach you that people do not live by bread alone; rather, we live by every word that comes from the mouth of the Lord.”
In this appeal, we pray for spiritual sustenance to have the fortitude to go out into the world and spread His Message through our words and actions.
John 6:48-58 “Yes, I am the bread of life! Your ancestors ate manna in the wilderness, but they all died. Anyone who eats the bread from heaven, however, will never die. I am the living bread that came down from heaven. Anyone who eats this bread will live forever; and this bread, which I will offer so the world may live, is my flesh.”
Then the people began arguing with each other about what he meant. “How can this man give us his flesh to eat?” they asked. So Jesus said again, “I tell you the truth, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood, you cannot have eternal life within you. But anyone who eats my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life, and I will raise that person at the last day. For my flesh is true food, and my blood is true drink. Anyone who eats my flesh and drinks my blood remains in me, and I in him.
I live because of the living Father who sent me; in the same way, anyone who feeds on me will live because of me. I am the true bread that came down from heaven. Anyone who eats this bread will not die as your ancestors did (even though they ate the manna) but will live forever.””
6. And Forgive Us Our Trespasses, as We Forgive Those Who Trespass Against Us
This section of the Lord’s Prayer may be the toughest to pray and follow. However, this request contains much wisdom. While anyone can ask to receive forgiveness, reflecting on the way we forgive others can lead us to patience and grace, which can be transformative.
For times when forgiving someone proves especially difficult, the Bible teaches that a good time to extend forgiveness is during prayer when our minds and hearts are united with God. Mark 11:25 “But when you are praying, first forgive anyone you are holding a grudge against, so that your Father in heaven will forgive your sins, too.””
By replacing resentment with forgiveness, we reflect God’s love and mercy in our actions. This, in turn, enables us to walk more confidently toward God, who wants our every step to be toward Him.
7. And Lead Us Not into Temptation
Temptation can cause us to sin and lead us away from God.
1 Corinthians 10:13 “The temptations in your life are no different from what others experience. And God is faithful. He will not allow the temptation to be more than you can stand. When you are tempted, he will show you a way out so that you can endure.”
In this supplication, we acknowledge that our free will brings with it human weaknesses. To overcome those weaknesses, we pray for God to extend His guiding hand over us and grant us the discernment necessary to steer clear of temptation and sin.
8. But Deliver Us from Evil
This petition covers the many times that we do fall prey to temptation and sin. During these times of entanglement, if we continually seek the Lord, He will answer us and deliver us from all of our fears.
Psalm 34:4 “I prayed to the Lord, and he answered me. He freed me from all my fears.”
In this appeal, we ask, during those times when we’re mired in sin, that the Almighty Father will reach down and liberate us from evil’s grip. This petition is also one for protection, as we ask God to protect us from the devil’s grasp in all future circumstances.
Application of the Lord’s Prayer
1. Acknowledging God’s Sovereignty and Relationship (Our Father who art in heaven):
Application: Begin your day by recognizing God as a loving Father and approach Him with reverence and gratitude, acknowledging your dependence on Him for guidance and provision.
2. Praying for God’s Will and Kingdom (Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven):
Application: Surrender your plans and desires to God, seeking His will in all aspects of your life. Pray for the expansion of God’s kingdom and His righteous rule in your heart, community, and the world.
3. Trusting God for Daily Needs (Give us this day our daily bread):
Application: Trust God for your daily needs, both physical and spiritual. This includes sustenance, strength, and the nourishment of His Word. Cultivate a sense of dependence on Him for every aspect of your life.
4. Seeking and Extending Forgiveness (And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us):
Application: Regularly examine your heart, confess sins, and ask for God’s forgiveness. Extend forgiveness to others, recognizing the reciprocal nature of God’s mercy. Strive to live in harmony and reconciliation with those around you.
5. Seeking God’s Guidance and Protection (Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil):
Application: Pray for God’s guidance to navigate life’s challenges. Seek His help in avoiding temptations and making wise decisions. Entrust yourself to His protection, knowing that He is a refuge in times of trouble.
6. Continuous Praise and Worship (For Thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever. Amen):
Application: Conclude your prayers with praise and worship, acknowledging God’s eternal kingdom, power, and glory. Express confidence in His sovereignty and commit to living for His glory throughout the day.
Significance of the Lord’s Prayer
The Lord’s Prayer, also known as the “Our Father,” is one of the most well-known and significant prayers in Christianity. It holds great importance for several reasons:
- Taught by Jesus: The Lord’s Prayer is special because Jesus directly taught it to his disciples. In the New Testament, it is recorded in the Gospel of Matthew. Matthew 6:9-13 “Pray like this: Our Father in heaven, may your name be kept holy. May your Kingdom come soon. May your will be done on earth, as it is in heaven. Give us today the food we need, and forgive us our sins, as we have forgiven those who sin against us. And don’t let us yield to temptation, but rescue us from the evil one.”
- Luke 11:2-4 ‘“Jesus said, “This is how you should pray: “Father, may your name be kept holy. May your Kingdom come soon. Give us each day the food we need, and forgive us our sins, as we forgive those who sin against us. And don’t let us yield to temptation. ”
- A Template for Prayer: The Lord’s Prayer is a template for Christian prayer. It includes essential elements of prayer, such as adoration, confession, thanksgiving, and supplication (ACTS). It provides a structured and comprehensive framework for believers to follow in their own personal and corporate prayer.
- Universal Prayer: The Lord’s Prayer is often recited by Christians worldwide, transcending denominational boundaries. It is used in various Christian liturgies, services, and traditions. This universality makes it a unifying element in the diverse Christian faith.
- Teaching About God: The Lord’s Prayer begins with the words “Our Father,” emphasizing the relationship between God and believers as a loving and caring Father. It conveys the idea of God’s sovereignty, holiness, and the desire for His will to be done on Earth as it is in Heaven.
- Petition and Dependence: The prayer includes petitions for daily needs, forgiveness of sins, and deliverance from evil. It encourages believers to express their dependence on God for their physical, spiritual, and moral well-being.
- Forgiveness and Reconciliation: The Lord’s Prayer contains the request for forgiveness of sins and the condition that believers must also forgive others. This emphasizes the importance of forgiveness and reconciliation in the Christian life.
- Kingdom of God: The prayer expresses the desire for God’s kingdom to come and His will to be done on Earth. It emphasizes the Christian hope for the ultimate fulfillment of God’s redemptive plan and the establishment of His kingdom.
FAQ’s about the Lord’s Prayer
1. Why did Jesus teach the Lord’s Prayer?
Jesus taught the Lord’s Prayer to model how His followers should approach God in prayer.
Matthew 6:9-13 ‘“Pray like this: Our Father in heaven, may your name be kept holy. May your Kingdom come soon. May your will be done on earth, as it is in heaven. Give us today the food we need, and forgive us our sins, as we have forgiven those who sin against us. And don’t let us yield to temptation, but rescue us from the evil one.”
2. Can I pray using my own words instead of the exact words of the Lord’s Prayer?
Yes, you can personalize your prayers while maintaining the foundational structure of the Lord’s Prayer. Jesus encouraged sincerity and authenticity in prayer.
Matthew 6:6 ‘“But when you pray, go away by yourself, shut the door behind you, and pray to your Father in private. Then your Father, who sees everything, will reward you.”
3. Is the Lord’s Prayer only for Christians?
While Jesus taught it to His disciples, the principles within the prayer—such as acknowledging God’s sovereignty, seeking forgiveness, and relying on His guidance—are universal and applicable to anyone seeking a relationship with God.
4. What does “Thy will be done” mean practically in our lives?
“Thy will be done” expresses a surrender to God’s plan and a desire for His will to be fulfilled. Practically, it involves aligning our decisions with biblical principles, seeking God’s guidance, and trusting His wisdom in all circumstances.
Matthew 26:39 ‘“He went on a little farther and bowed with his face to the ground, praying, “My Father! If it is possible, let this cup of suffering be taken away from me. Yet I want your will to be done, not mine.””
5. Why do we ask for forgiveness daily?
Asking for forgiveness daily reflects the biblical emphasis on maintaining a repentant heart before God. It acknowledges our ongoing need for God’s mercy and aligns with the scriptural call to confess our sins.
1 John 1:9 ‘“But if we confess our sins to him, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all wickedness.”
6. How does the Lord’s Prayer reflect the Kingdom of God?
The prayer expresses a longing for God’s kingdom to come, reflecting the Christian hope for the ultimate fulfillment of God’s reign. It encourages believers to live in a way that reflects the values of God’s kingdom here on earth.
Matthew 6:10 ‘“May your Kingdom come soon. May your will be done on earth, as it is in heaven.”
7. What is the significance of “daily bread”?
“Give us this day our daily bread” acknowledges God as the provider of our physical and spiritual needs. It reminds us to depend on God for sustenance, recognizing that everything we have comes from Him.
Matthew 6:11 ‘“Give us today the food we need,”
8. Why emphasize forgiveness in the Lord’s Prayer?
Forgiveness is central to Christianity, reflecting God’s forgiveness of our sins through Christ. The Lord’s Prayer underscores the importance of extending forgiveness to others as a reflection of the forgiveness we have received from God.
Matthew 6:12 ‘“and forgive us our sins, as we have forgiven those who sin against us.”
9. Does God lead us into temptation?
The phrase “Lead us not into temptation” is a request for God’s guidance and strength in the face of trials. God does not tempt us to sin, rather, this prayer seeks His protection and empowerment to overcome temptations.
James 1:13 ‘“And remember, when you are being tempted, do not say, “God is tempting me.” God is never tempted to do wrong, and he never tempts anyone else.”
10. Why end with praise and affirmation of God’s eternal attributes?
Concluding with praise emphasizes the acknowledgment of God’s sovereignty, power, and glory. It reinforces the idea that prayer is not just about our needs but also about recognizing God’s greatness and submitting to His divine authority.
Matthew 6:13 ‘“And don’t let us yield to temptation, but rescue us from the evil one.”
Conclusion
In summary, the Lord’s Prayer is foundational and widely recognized in Christianity, not only for its content but also for its role in shaping the practice of Christian prayer and its significance in the spiritual life of believers.
The Lord’s Prayer is much more than a handy guide on what to pray when no other words come to mind. If we meditate on each petition, the prayer serves as a moral compass that reveals the best way to go before the Father in requesting His guidance and protection.
This prayer focuses our thoughts on what’s important in life by summarizing everything we must do to be “good and faithful servants,” namely:
revere God,
accept His will,
know His Word,
love each other through forgiveness, and
resist evil.
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Let’s go forth and tell the people about the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Let’s go forth and build up the Kingdom of God according to His Word. Let’s go!