The Lord’s Prayer: A Model for Connecting with God

The Lord’s Prayer, found in Matthew 6:9-13, is not a formula to be recited word-for-word. Jesus gave it as a model or a blueprint to teach us the ingredients that should be included in our private conversations with God.

When we pray, God is always more concerned with the sincerity of our hearts than with the repetition of our words.

The Lord's Prayer: The Model Explained

While the King James Version (KJV) uses old language, the meaning of the prayer is a beautiful guide for how to communicate with God.

• Our Father which art in heaven

  • The Ingredient: We acknowledge the Father’s authority and presence in Heaven.

• Hallowed be thy name.

  • The Ingredient: We worship and declare that God’s name is sacred and worthy of reverence.

• Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth, as it is in heaven.

  • The Ingredient: We ask God to fulfill His plan and purpose (His will), both in our lives and the world, before our own requests.

• Give us this day our daily bread.

  • The Ingredient: We humbly ask God to provide the things we need for today, trusting Him for our daily provision.

• And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.

  • The Ingredient: We confess our mistakes (sins) to God and commit to forgiving the mistakes of others, just as God has forgiven us.

• And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil:

  • The Ingredient: We ask God for help to avoid poor choices and for protection from the devil’s attacks.

• For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever. Amen.

  • The Ingredient: We conclude by affirming God’s eternal power, control, and worthiness of all praise.

The 6 Ingredients of a Healthy Prayer Life

The Lord's Prayer teaches us a step-by-step structure for speaking honestly and effectively with God:

1. Address the Father: Start by recognizing God in His proper role as your loving Father who is in Heaven.

2. Worship and Thanks: Begin with praise, thanking God for who He is and what He has done.

3. Submit to God’s Will: Recognize that God’s plan and intentions are what truly matter, not just your own wishes.

4. Ask for Needs: Humbly ask for your daily provisions, relying on God for what you require today.

5. Confess and Repent: Admit your faults, ask for forgiveness, and commit to forgiving others.

6. Ask for Protection: Ask God for help in avoiding sin and for divine assistance in overcoming temptation and attacks from the enemy.

Allow this model to sink into your heart, and then start speaking to God freely and openly. He made you, He loves you, and He longs to communicate with you!