Read Matthew 6:9-15
This Is How We Should Pray!
In verses 1 through 8, Jesus teaches his followers that our giving and praying shouldn’t be all about us. It should be all about God.
In today’s passage, Jesus teaches us how we SHOULD pray. We see how the emphasis goes off from us and on to the Lord. Jesus said, “Pray then in this way:”
– “Our Father who is in heaven.” Who are we praying to? There’s only one true God and that is the God of the universe. The God Who created you and I. The God Who Loves Us.
– “Hallowed be your name.” These are words of praise and worship to God while declaring his holiness. Declaring God’s holiness is a humbling act because I’m reminded of my imperfections, my unholiness.
– “Your Kingdom come and your will be done on Earth as it is in Heaven.” Promoting God’s kingdom and will requires a daily surrender on my part. We can’t let the things of this world causes us to lose focus of building God’s Kingdom. Nor can we lose focus of God’s perfect will over our selfish or limited will.
– “Give us this day our daily bread.” In other words, God, you are our provider. Meet our daily needs as only you can. Thank you for your daily provisions!!!
– “And forgive us of our sins AS we forgive others who sin against us.” I wonder if we realize what we are really saying here!?! We’re asking God to forgive us AS we forgive others. I wonder how many regret saying that prayer because they don’t want to forgive others but they want to be forgiven?! If we can’t forgive others, God will not forgive us. To seek forgiveness is to acknowledge our imperfections. God requires perfection from us but his grace and mercy provides forgiveness for our sins through Jesus. For us to refuse to forgive others is us requiring perfection from others while showing no Grace or Mercy. Unforgiveness is an arrogant act on our part. It’s us elevating ourselves above others and with God. How dare us try and make ourselves equal with God. Do we so quickly forget our imperfections? Forgive me Lord and help me forgive others.
– “Do not lead us into temptation, but deliver us from evil.” God does lead us into situations that are tempting, but he never takes us into a situation where his holy spirit is not present with us. His spirit will help us overcome any and every temptation. Asking God not to lead us into the temptation seems to be our way of acknowledging our inability to overcome. So praying God will deliver us from evil acknowledges our reliance upon him for the victory.
Lord, help us say this prayer from our hearts.
