I have been meditating on “The Lord’s Prayer” (Matthew
6:9-14) for a while now and would like to share some thoughts I have
enjoyed. I split this into a few parts
for more an easier read. This is in no
way any attempt to be a comprehensive examination of the verses in
question. It is instead a quick look at
a few principles that we can apply generally in our prayer life.
Principles of Prayer Part 2: Remember to brush your teeth
Verses 9 and 10 have a different flavour than the verses
that follow after. In the opening to the
prayer, the Lord establishes the character of the One we are speaking with and
what our attitude and outlook should be.
Even though this part of the prayer does not deal with any specifics
about what is going on in our lives it is essential because it “roots and
grounds” us, preparing our hearts and minds for the prayer to come and much
more. This re-centering of our focus is extremely
important because we are constantly dealing with demands, distractions and
difficulties that grab our attention and tries to distort our principles,
purposes and priorities. Like brushing
your teeth and hair in the morning or clearing your desk before beginning a
project, this part of the prayer is often overlooked but essential.
Verse 9 brings forward the nature God as we address Him. 1) He is “Our Father”, 2)He is “in heaven”
and 3)He is “hallowed” (“holy”).
1) As our Father we approach a God who is not remote but is
interested and involved in our lives in an intimate and loving way. Not only that but He wants to bless us and
make us prosper spiritually. Like any
Father He wants to see his children succeed, see them grow, see them mature,
see them learn. And like any child, we can go to our Father for comfort, advice
and companionship.
Or what man is there among you who, if his son asks for
bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will he give him a serpent? If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to
your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things
to those who ask Him!
Matthew
7:9-11
Also, check out Proverbs 4 sometime for some interesting
parallels to the Lord’s Prayer from a father’s perspective.
2) The fact that our Father is in heaven is evidence of His
supreme power and authority. Our prayers
go to one who cares but also one who has the power to do something about
them. He can work in incredible power
and wonder in your life if you pray with true faith that He can and will do
what you are asking of Him.
3) His holy nature brings out His perfect character. Sometimes when things are going wrong, it
seems that the whole world is dirty and grey.
What an encouragement we have in a God who is not a powerful being with
a human nature like human created deities.
Instead we have a shining beacon whose very presence transforms any who
approach Him. It also means that we can’t
lie, twist our words, or hide anything from Him. We must approach Him with honesty and openness
which might hurt in the moment but will always be better than self deceit.
Of course these are only a few of the characteristics of God
and actually only a few of the applications to be found in this one verse. Please
feel free to share some more in the comments.
I love hearing from people.
Next week-ish, Part 3 will look at verse 10 and what it
means for our perspective and attitude as we pray.
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew%206:7-13&version=NKJV
7 And when you pray, do not use vain repetitions as
the heathen do. For they think that they will be heard for
their many words.
8 “Therefore do not be like them. For your Father
knows the things you have need of before you ask Him. 9 In this manner, therefore, pray:
Our Father in heaven,
Hallowed be Your name.
10 Your kingdom come.
Your will be done
On earth as it is in heaven.
11 Give us this day our daily bread.
12 And forgive us our debts,
As we forgive our debtors.
13 And do not lead us into temptation,
But deliver us from the evil one.
For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen
Hallowed be Your name.
10 Your kingdom come.
Your will be done
On earth as it is in heaven.
11 Give us this day our daily bread.
12 And forgive us our debts,
As we forgive our debtors.
13 And do not lead us into temptation,
But deliver us from the evil one.
For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen
