Our Church Media

When the disciples of Jesus saw Him praying, they asked, Lord, “teach us to pray”. Jesus responded to their request with what we have now labelled as the “Lord’s Prayer”. The problem we are faced with today, is that this prayer has become more of a recitation than an actual prayer. We can rhyme it off from memory, but we have very little idea about what we are really praying for or what Jesus was really instructing His disciples about when it comes to actual prayer.  I believe if we are to be the kind of follower of Jesus that He wants us to be, we need to take a much closer and more in-depth look at what He was really saying to us in what is labelled as the “Lord’s Prayer”.

We need to understand just what it is that Jesus was trying to say to His disciples and us as He suggested this prayer. The words that He suggested were not a magical combination that unlocked the door to God’s handouts. What Jesus shared with His disciples was really a pattern of approach that we need to follow if we want to develop a deepening relationship with Him and our Heavenly Father. When the disciples saw Jesus praying to His Heavenly Father, their request was not about words to be said – it was a desire to experience for themselves the same level of intimacy with the Heavenly Father that Jesus had. It is in the investigation of what Jesus is really calling us to that we discover God’s love for us and our love for Him and others. The Lord’s Prayer is really about our pursuit of that intimacy with God.

Instead of simply reciting this prayer from start to finish, take the time to think about what is really being said in each section.  “Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be your Name.”  Consider the following: What would it mean to you if you really believed that the Sovereign God of the universe really was YOUR Heavenly Father?  If God is YOUR Heavenly Father, talk to Him about how you feel about this relationship. Find out how He wants to relate to and be part of your life.  If this relationship was what it ought to be, then talk to Him about how that would affect your relationship to others.

As we acknowledge His holiness in the “Lord’s Prayer” we need to remember that we are called to be holy as He is holy (1Peter 1:15-16).  How should this effect what we do, what we say and the attitudes we express in our daily lives?

“Your kingdom come, your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.” What would your life look like if God asked you to answer that prayer? Are you seeking to do God’s will in every area of your life?  If not, why not? If not, when will you?

“Give us this day our daily bread.” What are the needs in your life, your family, your church, your local community and around the world? Pray for these needs as the Lord brings them to mind. Talk to YOUR Heavenly Father about your faith in relation to His response to the needs you share with Him.

“Forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us.” What does forgiveness involve? Why is it necessary? What does it look like? (Hint: Check out the Bible to see how Jesus responded to those who treated Him poorly). Do you need to ask YOUR Heavenly Father for forgiveness for any of your attitudes, actions, or things which you have said?  Do not wait to do this. Stop and deal with each one as necessary.  This is not an option if you want to properly deal with the issue of forgiving others.

“Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.” Talk with YOUR Heavenly Father about ways to better recognize and resist temptation when it comes into your life. Talk to your Heavenly Father about your willingness and commitment to build into your daily life and schedule the disciplines necessary to resist temptation. Be honest about your past failures and seek His forgiveness.

“For Thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory, forever and ever.” Acknowledge YOUR Heavenly Father’s rights, authority and power to rule and direct your life.  If you truly mean this, how would that affect your daily life? Talk to Him about this and what changes He would want to make in your life to achieve this.

Before you say amen, end your time of talking with YOUR Heavenly Father with a time of thanksgiving and praise for all that He has done, is doing and will do in your life, your family, your church, your town, your province, and your country.

I have only touched briefly in this article on a few of the possible thoughts and questions that you can pursue. It barely scratches the surface and is designed as a starting point. I am sure that as you look at these questions and thoughts you will think of others yourself. Write them down, follow them up with prayer. This will not only help clarify your thoughts and help you stay focussed, it will be a book of remembrance of your journey of discovery of love and intimacy.

I would encourage you to begin to pray the “Lord’s Prayer” in this new way. Allow the Holy Spirit to open your eyes, ears, minds and hearts to what God is wanting you to say and do through this prayer. The effectiveness of this exercise depends upon your willingness to persist, your willingness to be open to what God is saying and doing, and your willingness to be obedient to Him.

If you are interested in further information on The Lord’s Prayer, check out this link — Praying the Lord’s Prayer Lesson 1