The Lords Prayer

Matthew 6:9-13

Pray then like this: "Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name. Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil."

Various Bible translations differ on a word here or there, but we must remember that the heart of the Lord's Prayer remains the same. When Jesus' followers asked how they should pray, Jesus provided this example.

"We should use the Lord's Prayer the way Jesus intended. Let it help us better understand, and put into practice, three things; praise, petition, and confession."

Jesus' prayer began with thanks for who God is, a Father deserving honor. Then Jesus requested help by sharing personal needs, both physical and spiritual. He asked for the basic provision of food, as well as for the protection and the strength necessary to do what God wanted. He also prayed for the needs of others, asking that their lives would align more with God's desires.

Although Jesus had nothing to confess, he knew those listening did, so he modeled how to ask for forgiveness. Confessing where we have failed keeps communication with God honest and open and helps us become more merciful to those who fail us. As Jesus demonstrated, prayer is simply inviting God to play an active role in our life, and we should follow his example every day.