How Do You Use The Lord's Prayer?

Hello Everyone,

How are you doing? I hope you had a lovely weekend. Thank God for keeping each and every one of us alive to see another week. It is always a privilege to be alive. 

This week's article is about The Lord's Prayer

Matthew 6:8-13

Some people say that the purpose of The Lord's Prayer is for Christians to memorise the prayers while some people believe The Lord's Prayer is an old way of praying to God, thus, we should discard it. However, some would argue that The Lord's Prayer should be recited corporately by Christians. Do you have a view on this? When did you learn The Lord's Prayer? I learnt The Lord's Prayer as far back as Primary School. I'm not sure if I learned it at church or school, but I remember learning it as a memory verse. 

Regardless of our opinions on how The Lord's Prayer should be used, one thing I would like us to learn from The Lord's Prayer is that, as Christians, we can use The Lord's Prayer as a template to talk to God. 

The Lord's Prayer can be used as a template for praying to God. Let me explain what I mean...

1) Our Father in heaven,

Hallowed be Your name (Matthew 6:9).

Jesus is teaching us to acknowledge God as our Father and He is reminding us that God is in heaven, He is above us and rules overall.  Isaiah 66:1 (NIV version) says: 

This is what the Lord says:

“Heaven is my throne,

   and the earth is my footstool.

Where is the house you will build for me?

    Where will my resting place be?

Jesus is also teaching us to hallow God's name. To hallow means, to honour God as holy. Jesus is wanting us to acknowledge that God is holy by praising His name when we are praying.

So, in whatever prayer style you choose to incorporate, Jesus would like you to acknowledge our Heavenly Father and to hallow His name.

2) Your kingdom come.

Your will be done

On earth, as it is in heaven (Matthew 6:10).

Jesus is teaching us that when we pray, we need to acknowledge that God's desire should be done on this earth and in our lives. So, we should ask God for His plans to be fulfilled on earth and in our lives. We should also trust in God. Proverbs 19:21  (EXB version) says:

People can make all kinds of plans,

but only the Lord’s plan [purpose; advice] will happen [succeed].

Do you normally ask God to fulfil His plans for your life? Or does it feel scary to ask God to fulfil His plans for your life rather than your own plans? Does it feel unknown? One thing that usually helps me is the Word of God in the Book of  Jeremiah 29:11 which says:

I say this because I know what [ the plans] I am planning for you, says the Lord. I have good plans for you [plans for your peace/security], not plans to hurt you. I will give you hope and a good future.

Let me remind you of Jeremiah 29:11 again using an image:

3) Give us this day our daily bread (Matthew 6:11).

Jesus is teaching us to acknowledge God as our Provider of all that we need each day. God is ready to meet all our needs such as physical needs, emotional needs, spiritual needs, financial needs, etc. However, Jesus taught us that we need to constantly seek God's kingdom and His righteousness, then all other things will be given to us (Matthew 6:33).

Do you ask God for your daily needs? Do you acknowledge God as your Provider?

4) And forgive us our debts,

As we forgive our debtors (Matthew 6:12).

Jesus is saying that we can ask God to forgive us of our sins through Jesus Christ as when we are forgiven by Christ, we are called to forgive others. There is a Scripture that I love in the Book of Colossians 3:13 which says:

 Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.

How are you bearing with one another? Do you always want God to forgive you your own sins but you struggle to forgive others? The Holy Spirit is ready to help you to let go of every hurt and pain. Are you going to respond to His call?

5) And do not lead us into temptation,

But deliver us from the evil one (Matthew 6:13a).

Jesus is saying that we can ask God not to lead us into temptation as we do not want to sin. Jesus would also like us to ask God to protect us from the attacks of the devil.

6) For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen (Matthew 6:13b).

What do you think Jesus is teaching us here? Would you like to attempt? 

If this message has blessed you — would you like to share it with someone? Send it to a friend, on your social media platforms, family members, and many more.

Also, I love hearing from you in the comment section. Please take a minute to say ‘hello’ by leaving a comment. 

Have a lovely week!

Yours in Christ,

Mysses Lafunky

I have a free e-book for you. The book (15 Women of the Bible: How they lived a Purpose Driven Life). This e-book was written by my Bible Study Group. To download on Google Drive for free, click here.