THE LORD'S PRAYER

 

THE LORD'S PRAYER So then, this is how you should pray: ‘Our Father in heaven, hallowed be Your name. Matthew 6:9 This prayer begins where all true prayer must—by acknowledging our relationship with God as His children: "Our Father." There can be no genuine prayer until we, like the prodigal son, resolve, "I will arise and go to my Father." This childlike spirit, as it prays, soon recognizes the holiness and grandeur of God—our Father who is in heaven—and is drawn into reverent adoration: "Hallowed be Your name." The humble cry of "Father" grows into the deeper worship of "Holy, Holy, Holy" as we reflect on God's majesty. From this place of worship, we naturally turn to a missionary spirit, born from our love for the Father: "Your kingdom come, Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven." True filial love for God always leads to a desire to see His will accomplished on earth as it is in heaven. Next, we express our dependence on God, recognizing Him as our provider: "Give us this day our daily bread." Then, as the Spirit enlightens us, we acknowledge not only our dependence but also our sinfulness, and we ask for mercy: "Forgive us our debts as we forgive our debtors." Having received forgiveness and knowing that we are accepted in Christ, we humbly ask for holy perseverance: "Lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil." The one who is truly forgiven desires to walk in holiness and avoid sin. Justification naturally leads to a longing for sanctification. Finally, the prayer concludes with a triumphant declaration of praise: "Yours is the kingdom, the power, and the glory, forever and ever. Amen." We rejoice that our King reigns in both providence and grace, and we look forward to His eternal dominion. This prayer guides us from a sense of adoption, into fellowship with our reigning Lord. Lord, teach us to pray in this way! by Charles H. Spurgeon