Shout out to my friend Kyle for providing this guide to our group!
Praying the Lord’s Prayer
Source: “Praying the Lord’s Prayer” by Brad Boyston, November 2006 – Original PDF document
Introduction
Jesus gave His disciples a model prayer—not simply a formula to recite but a framework to guide hearts in communion with God. The Lord’s Prayer in Matthew 6:9–13 teaches us how to approach God with reverence, dependence, and surrender.
1. “Our Father in heaven, hallowed be Your name”
This opening line affirms both intimacy and majesty. God is our Father—personal and present—but He is also holy, worthy of awe and adoration. To “hallow” His name is to recognize His sacred character in every prayer and every part of our lives (Matthew 6:9).
2. “Your kingdom come, Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven”
Here we submit our plans and desires to God’s sovereign rule. This prayer aligns us with His purpose and invites His reign in our relationships, choices, and culture. We express our desire to see earth mirror heaven, yielding to God’s redemptive work (Matthew 6:10).
3. “Give us today our daily bread”
Jesus instructs us to ask for what we need each day—both physically and spiritually. This request nurtures our trust in God’s provision and reminds us of our dependence on Him, just as Israel relied on manna in the wilderness (Matthew 6:11; Exodus 16).
4. “Forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors”
This part teaches humility and grace. We acknowledge our need for God’s mercy while extending it to others. Forgiveness is both a gift received and a command to be lived out in community (Matthew 6:12; Ephesians 4:32).
5. “And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one”
We pray for protection against both spiritual pitfalls and the schemes of the enemy. This final petition declares our dependence on God for moral strength and spiritual safety (Matthew 6:13; 1 Corinthians 10:13).
Conclusion
The Lord’s Prayer is a daily invitation to center our hearts on God’s glory, kingdom, provision, grace, and power. It forms a rhythm of reliance and reverence that transforms our relationship with God.
Citations:
- Matthew 6:9–13 – The Lord’s Prayer
- Exodus 16 – God’s provision of manna
- Ephesians 4:32 – Call to forgiveness
- 1 Corinthians 10:13 – God’s faithfulness in temptation
- Brad Boyston, “Praying the Lord’s Prayer,” November 2006 (PDF source)