How to Pray
Learning to Communicate with God Through the Lord's Prayer
The Gospel of Matthew records Jesus' teachings on prayer as part of the famous Sermon on the Mount. In Matthew 6 and again in Luke 11, Jesus provides what has come to be known as "The Lord's Prayer" or "The Disciple's Prayer." This model prayer sheds tremendous light on how Jesus prayed and how Jesus wanted his followers to pray.
Prior to the model prayer, however, Jesus warns against "vain repetitions" and showy demonstrations of piety. He challenges those who pray to do so sincerely and from the heart. Then, he provides a model template to guide people in their prayer.
What follows are lines from Jesus' model prayer (from Matthew 6 in the classic King James Version), with an explanation as to their meaning:
"Our Father who art in heaven"
Jesus identifies Yahweh as "our Father" and places Him "in heaven." This establishes God's identity and the relationship of the human race to God. He is "our Father."
"Hallowed by Thy Name..."
Jesus calls his followers to worship God. From the outset, prayer isn't about the person praying. It's about God. It's not about what the person wants. It's about worshipping God and lifting up His name.
"Thy kingdom come..."
Jesus spent a great deal of his ministry talking about "the kingdom of God." Indeed, the "kingdom of God" being "at hand" was the principal theme of his famous Sermon on the Mount. A person's allegiance is not to be to oneself, but rather to the kingdom of God.
"Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven."
God sits on the throne in Heaven and His will is therefore absolute in Heaven. Yet, on earth, God has given free will to the human race. Jesus is urging his followers to pray that God's will be advanced on earth, which requires the advancement and expansion of God's kingdom on this earth.
As John MacArthur puts it: "A true child of God then concerns himself not so much with his own plans and his own desires as he does with the determinate program and plan of God revealed in the person of Jesus Christ."
"Give us this day our daily bread."
With this phrase, the prayer shifts from God to Man. John MacArthur says of this transition: "God then is the supreme issue here, and not until God is in the proper perspective can man pray properly about his own needs. Keep that in mind. First we see God’s name, God’s kingdom, God’s will, and then we move to man’s need."
This phrase recognizes that people have needs, which it couches in the form of a person's most basic need -- i.e., food. However, the modifier "daily" draws attention to a person's reliance on God for provision - a point that's brought home at the end of Matthew 6, when Jesus encourages his audience to "seek first the kingdom of God" and promises that one's needs will then be met (Matthew 6:33).
This reliance on God for daily need contrasts with humanity's consuming desire for wealth -- something that Jesus specifically warns against in this same sermon, when he says "not to store up treasures on earth." (Matthew 6:19).
What is your motive in prayer? Is it to ask God for more things? Or is it to draw closer to God and trust Him to supply your needs?
"And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors."
The word "debt" broadly encompasses a situation or transgression in which you have been wronged or reduced and are owed something in return for that. Jesus is reminding his audience that humanity transgressed against God, and yet God has seen fit to offer mercy and forgiveness. A person praying to God should be willing to do the same for others.
"And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil..."
Jesus acknowledges temptation and spiritual warfare. Life is not easy. It is complicated, and people are faced with a multitude of choices and paths - most of which can lead to trouble. Jesus encourages his followers to use prayer as an appeal for guidance and protection.
As Martin Luther said: “We cannot help being exposed to the assaults but we pray that we may not fall and perish under them.”
"For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen." There is some debate among scholars whether this doxology was said by Jesus or added by scribes later. This author accepts the doxology as uttered by Jesus. Either way, it is a great finale to a wonderful prayer -- one that reaffirms what prayer is all about, along with our divine purpose in God.
***This article has been written as a commentary on Matthew's account of the Lord's Prayer. While it has been written from an evangelical perspective, alternative views are always welcome and encouraged in the discussion forum.
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