We ought to be amazed at how much Jesus says in so few words! This is certainly the case regarding what we might call: “The Model Prayer” in Matthew 6. Incidentally, many refer to it as the Lord’s Prayer, but this is not the best designation since He used it for the purpose of teaching the apostles (and others) how to pray.
There are contextual matters that we will only mention superficially at this time, since we will address these more in a later lesson. In general, though, the backdrop of this text and this prayer is in regard to the “showy” Pharisees, who were really more concerned about others viewing them as being “super spiritual” (demonstrating, at least to the Lord, that they were not). Though many were impressed by their articulate performances, Jesus says in a sense, “I will show you how you ought to pray.” Let’s seek to learn from the Master one verse at a time.
- 9 – “Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name.”
Prayer is addressed to the Father. This is not to say that prayers in the New Testament are always and only addressed to the Father (see Acts 7:59; 9:6; 1 Cor. 1:1-2; 2 Cor. 12:8; also see Jn. 9:38), but that is certainly the norm.
After the initial address, it should be noted that the holiness (the “set apartness”) of that name is set forth with the word “hallowed.” When Christians pray to God, they are praying to a being like none other! Thus, He ought to be addressed with humility and reverence, in very stark contrast to what the Pharisees were doing. Christians should check their hearts before they pray. We must consider who we are praying to.
- 10 – “Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.”
At this time Jesus had yet to establish His kingdom. The kingdom would come with power (Mk. 9:1) and with the Holy Spirit (Acts 1:8) after His death, burial and resurrection. Clearly, this occurred on the first Pentecost after the resurrection (see Acts 2:4).
It should be mentioned, however, that this prayer likely has more to do with the rule of Christ in human hearts (compare to Mt. 6:33). The kingdom of Christ, the church, was going to come. Christ did not need human prayers to bring it forth. But, humanity does need help accepting the rule of Christ in their hearts. It will always be challenging for humanity to truly desire the Lord’s will to be done, especially to humble themselves under His rule. This concept is worthy of a place in our prayers! May His will rule our hearts as it did the heart of Jesus! (see Lk. 22:42).
- 11 – “Give us this day our daily bread.”
The word “bread” here, as in other places, is representative of food in general (see Acts 2:46). This aspect of prayer demonstrates a recognition of the real source of our necessities being provided and a daily trust that He will deliver (compare James 1:17; contrast this with worry about daily needs in Mt. 6:25-34). While we are talking about physical nourishment here, it takes a spiritual heart to digest the truth of this short statement! We truly depend on Him every day and continually give thanks for that provision (see Mt. 15:36; 1 Thes. 5:18).
- 12 – “And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors.”
The forgiveness of our sins is truly the greatest need we have. We should be prayerful about our resistance to sin (1 Jn. 2:16; 1 Cor. 10:13) and the forgiveness that we continually need and can experience through the blood of Jesus (see 1 Jn. 1:7).
Due emphasis, however, must be placed on our forgiveness of others if we wish to be forgiven by our Lord. This is very much a prerequisite for us if we wish our own sins to be forgiven. The grudge that separates us from someone else can be the grudge that causes us to be separated from God (see also Mt. 6:14-15). It’s not worth it!
- 13 – “And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.”
The Lord is very capable of providentially working on our behalf for our spiritual well-being. He can do more than we ask or think (Eph. 3:20-21) and has the power to provide the way of escape (1 Cor. 10:13).
Sin is the one thing that can cause us to be separated from God (see Is. 59:1-2; 1 Jn. 3:4). Why would we not pray about it? Pray that God may shield you from the tempter and His devices. As we pray that God may provide a passage away from temptation we must make sure we don’t walk right into it! Paul says, “make no provision for the flesh, to gratify its desires” (Rom. 13:14).
Truly, Jesus teaches us so much about prayer and our spiritual walk in so few words. Read this prayer one more time. What aspect of this prayer do you need to give more consideration to in life and in your prayers?
Daren Schroeder
