Lessons and benefits of the Lord’s prayer
Last of a 5-part teaching series
by Barbara Lukow
The Lord’s prayer is included in two of the gospels (Matthew 6:9-13 and Luke 11:2-4). Christians disagree on whether the prayer is meant to be prayed exactly as Jesus delivered it or used as a model for prayer. Either way, a careful study of each line reveals a beautiful petition – one that’ll greatly aid your prayers for yourself, for others and for the nation.
“Our Father in heaven”
It is important to note that Jesus said “our Father.” (Matthew 6:9) The Father is, indeed, Christ’s and yours. Jesus established that relationship for all Christians: anyone who loves Jesus receives the Father’s love and the Savior promises “we will come to him and make our home with him.” (John 14:23) See also John 14:20.
Jesus promised that the Father loves you with a love much greater than that of an earthly father (Matthew 7:7-11). In fact, He sacrificed His own Son so you could live with Him eternally (John 3:16). He died for you; rose for you; lives for you in Heaven – exalted over all His creation – as well as in you through His Holy Spirit. What an awesome God you serve!
“Hallowed be your name”
God is righteous and holy, His name is holy, and He sanctifies – makes holy – His children (I Samuel 2:2; Psalm 99:3,5 and 9; Leviticus 22:31-33; Luke 1:49 and Hebrews 10:10). The Christian asks here that the Father’s name be kept holy, and that His name won’t be profaned, but that His people will be sanctified and live holy lives.
“Your kingdom come”
Christians disagree on the meaning of this request. Some suggest it asks that Jesus reign in all – or individual – hearts (Luke 17:21), while others believe it refers to the coming of Christ to claim His own and establish His eternal kingdom. Either way, Christians should
1) pray that the Holy Spirit draw as many as possible into God’s kingdom; 2) submit to the Holy Spirit’s guidance toward that goal; and 3) look forward to Jesus’ coming.
“Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.”
God’s children want His will not just in their own lives, but in the lives of others. Therefore, the appeal here is for God’s will throughout the Earth, that things on Earth will be like they are in Heaven.
“Give us this day our daily bread”
At this point, the prayer moves from confession of God’s power and holiness – as well as submission and desire for His will and His kingdom – to personal requests. Most theologians perceive “daily bread” as anything involving the everyday needs and care of God’s children. Note that the Bible promises God’s daily provision for such things if Christians seek His kingdom first (Matthew 6:33-34). Interestingly, the sequence of the requests in the Lord’s prayer matches that Scripture! The first three petitions seek His kingdom; the fourth refers to daily needs.
“and forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors.”
Sin separates you from God, but Christ lives to intercede for you (Hebrews 7:25), providing you forgiveness and direct access to the Father. Consider this, however: withholding forgiveness is a sin in itself. Christ instructed His followers to not only forgive, but pray for their persecutors (Matthew 5:44). Christians should repent of any resentment and forgive others in order to maintain a loving and meaningful relationship with God, for He does not forgive sin which a person refuses to confess. Could an unforgiving attitude toward a nation’s leader affect the Christian’s prayers for his country? See I Peter 2:13-20 and I Peter 3:8-12.
“And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.”
God does not tempt; man is tempted when he is enticed by his own desire (James 1:13-14). The Christian asks for continued protection, strength and deliverance from Satan and carnal desires. The battle with sin and evil cannot be won without God’s continuous help.
“for yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.”
This doxology, footnoted in the English Standard Version, is evidently not considered a part of Matthew’s original text by many scholars. Similarities can be noted, however, in I Chronicles 29:11 and Revelation 4:11.
Pray, friends in Christ, recognizing God’s holiness, grace and power. Remember that seeking His kingdom leads hearts to submission and obedience, and abiding in Christ produces spiritual fruit. May your fervent prayers effect change across this great land (II Chronicles 7:14).
Barbara Lukow is a new writer to the Presidential Prayer Team. She is a retired educator, mother, grandmother, and farm wife. She writes short stories, poetry, articles, devotions and novels. Barbara lives with her husband, James, on a small farm in northwest New Mexico.