Real Hope: Your Kingdom ComeSample

A Template for Prayer

Jesus provides a template for us to use when we pray.

We acknowledge God and His dominion. ‘Father’ here is the close and personal term. God is not distant. He is God whom we know, not standing aloof, but engaged and interested and revealing Himself to us through His Son, our Saviour.

We recognize His uniqueness and specialness that is more than anyone or anything else. It is the revelation and acknowledgement of the holy character of God.

We ask that His kingdom come: that His way of life and the values of His kingdom are reflected on earth, through us. When Jesus began His ministry, He said that the kingdom of God was at hand. Everything Jesus did is about God’s kingdom coming. We want what He wants and that His will be done on earth too.

These opening words in the Lord’s prayer do provide comfort, no doubt, but they are not ‘magic' words. They provide a guide, a context, and a starting point for our prayers. Acknowledge God and His specialness that cannot be grasped.

Acknowledge that His way is the way for all of us. This is how we should pray.

Written by DAVID BARKER