1.Pray for What God Wants (vv. 9-10)

2. Pray for What You Need (vv. 11-13)

1. What was helpful to you in this week’s sermon? What didn’t you understand?

2. What rituals have you developed in your own life? Which of these are helpful? Which of these may be more of a hindrance than a help?

1. Jesus begins the “Lord’s prayer” by saying, “pray like this…” (v. 9). How shouldn’t we understand these words? Why shouldn’t we view the Lord’s Prayer as merely a formula to repeat (see vv. 7-8)? Conversely, why is it important that we see Jesus’ prayer as more than a suggestion?

2. Jesus teaches us to pray first for what God wants (vv. 9-10), and then to pray for what we need (vv. 11-13). Why is this order important? How is the Lord’s Prayer not simply a model for praying, but also a model for living under Christ’s reign (see Matthew 6:25-34)?

3. What does it mean for God’s name to be hallowed (v. 9)? For his kingdom to come (v. 10)? For his will to be done on earth as it is in heaven (v. 10)? Which of these petitions stand out to you? Which do you need to pray more regularly? Why?

4. What does it mean to ask for our daily bread (v. 11)? For our sins to be forgiven as we forgive others (v. 12; see vv. 14-15)? For us to be delivered from the evil one (v. 13)? Which of these petitions stand out to you? Which do you need to pray more regularly? Why?

1. Jesus intends for us to pray this prayer together (hence “OurFather”). With that in mind, break up into smaller groups and spend 10-15 minutes praying through the Lord’s Prayer. You can use the following template as a guide.

· “Our Father in heaven,”– Thank God for being a good and powerful Father.

· “hallowed be your name.”– Pray that God would be acknowledged and honored in your city, and in the world.

· “Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.” – Express agreement with God’s will. Pray that people would submit to Jesus as King, and align with his kingdom priorities (justice, mercy, kindness, etc).

· “Give us this day our daily bread.”Pray for your pressing needs.

· “…forgive us our debts as we have forgiven our debtors.”Confess sins, and forgive those who have sinned against you.

· “And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.”Pray for protection from the schemes of the devil, and the power to withstand coming temptations.