From Matthew 6:9 we are studying the Lord’s Prayer. Jesus begins this prayer with the words, “Our Father in heaven.” Prayer should begin by connecting with the one we are praying to, our loving heavenly Father. Next Jesus prays, “Hallowed be thy name.” Throughout scripture God’s character is revealed in His many names. He is Jehovah Jireh (provider), Jehovah Rapha (healer), Savior, Counselor, God Most High, and the great I Am. These and other names reveal who God is and why we honor Him.
Next Jesus prays, “Thy kingdom come Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven.” In this portion, we surrender our will to God’s will. We offer our life to be used for God’s purposes. Then Jesus prays, “Give us this day our daily bread.” This is a prayerof dependence on God for all we have need of. “And forgive us our sins.” Here we admit our faults and ask God to cleanse usfrom our sins. Only by faith in Jesus can our sins be forgiven. Next Jesus prays, “As we forgive those who have sinned against us.” This is such an important step in prayer because Jesus also said if we will not forgive those who have sinned against us, we cannot be forgiven. Don’t hang on to past hurts, instead release them to God.
“And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.” Here we ask God to guard our heart and protect us from the evil one and all his schemes. God has delivered us from the power of darkness in Jesus. “For Thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever, Amen.” This prayer ends where it began with praise to God. Let the Lord’s Prayer be your guide to a deeper walk with God.
