Learning how to pray well is not just a discipline for today, it was also key for the disciples in Jesus’ day. With worldly examples focusing on gaining public attention or teaching a false practice of elaborate lofty word-ridden requests their world wasn’t much different than ours today.
Jesus shows His followers an example for prayer that will serve for them as a prototype for how to address their heavenly “Father.” Jesus’ prayer is really a pray not for the Lord, but rather a Disciple’s Prayer.
Matthew 6:9-13 (NIV)
9 “This, then, is how you should pray:
“‘Our Father in heaven,
hallowed be your name,
10 your kingdom come,
your will be done,
on earth as it is in heaven.
11 Give us today our daily bread.
12 And forgive us our debts,
as we also have forgiven our debtors.
13 And lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from the evil one.’
Adoration
(1) Correct Perspective – Our Father in heaven
(2) Correct Worship – Hallowed be your name
(3) Correct Rulership – Your kingdom come
(4) Correct Mission – Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven
Supplication
(5) Request for Provision – Give us today our daily bread
(6) Request for Mercy – Forgive us our debts as we also have forgiven our debtors
(7) Request for Grace – And lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil
Conclusion
A. The Lord’s prayer is a prototype for prayer, not a magical incantation for God’s blessings
B. 2 primary sections:
(1) Refocusing on God and His mission
(2) Humble requests of dependence