NIV Spiritual Renewal Study Bible PlanSample

The Lord’s Prayer

The few words of the Lord’s Prayer span the spectrum of God’s purpose and concern for humanity. They sweep from the majesty of God in heaven to the earthly details of daily need. Upholding the highest ideals while recognizing the realistic obstacles of human temptation and failure, the Lord’s Prayer searches us, instructs us, inspires us and empowers us.

Jesus gave us the Lord’s Prayer not only as a specific text to be recited but also as a model for our own prayers. God is not manipulated by rote exercises or mechanical prayers, but the Lord’s Prayer does give us a basic pattern that will deepen and enrich all of our prayers:

“Our Father in heaven” (Matthew 6:9). Prayer begins with the assurance of our adoption and acceptance as God’s children. The Creator loves us and desires to answer the requests of his children.

“Hallowed be your name” (Matthew 6:9). The third commandment speaks against misusing God’s name (see Exodus 20:7). This refers to more than just using his name as an expletive. It includes associating God’s name with anything that demeans, devalues or dishonors him. We sometimes do this not only with our lips but also with our lives.

“Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven” (Matthew 6:10). This is our highest goal, that for which we should pray and strive. God’s agenda must set our agenda.

“Give us today our daily bread” (Matthew 6:11). Jesus assures us that if God’s kingdom is our primary concern, he will provide for our needs from day to day (see Matthew 6:33).

“And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors” (Matthew 6:12). The grace of God shown to us must show through us to others. If we hold grudges, our hands and hearts are not free to receive God’s mercy.

“And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one” (Matthew 6:13). God is the great guardian of our lives. He is more powerful that any temptation that can come against us. He will not allow us to be tempted beyond our ability to bear it (see 1 Corinthians 10:13).

These few words of the Lord’s Prayer provide us with a comprehensive pattern for prayer that can help us thoughtfully bring our requests before God.