What the Lord’s Prayer teaches us

Matthew 6:9-13 (NIV):

"This, then, is how you should pray:
‘Our Father in heaven,
hallowed be your name,
your kingdom come,
your will be done,
on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us today 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 the evil one.’”

I’ve grown up hearing the Lord’s Prayer, and for most of my life, I thought of it as a prayer to repeat, almost like a prescription to follow. I always viewed it as something we should replicate, to say the words verbatim, much like an instruction manual for how to pray. And to be honest, even then, I would rarely ever pray with this in mind. But recently, I was struck by a deeper understanding that goes beyond just saying the words and even further, actually understanding how to pray. It's not just about repetition; and it’s certainly not about rambling mostly about yourself. It’s about truly grasping the framework and the heart behind it.

It wasn’t until I heard someone beautifully articulate the real purpose behind the Lord's Prayer that I began to see it in a new light. Jesus was giving us more than just words—He was showing us a template, a way to guide our hearts when we come before God in prayer. Here's how I’ve come to view the prayer through a deeper, more personal lens:

“Our Father in Heaven” – Begin by addressing God as your Father and acknowledging where He is seated—in Heaven. Remembering His sovereignty and greatness sets the tone for the conversation. It reminds us of who we’re speaking to.

“Hallowed be Thy Name” – This isn’t just about using respectful words—it’s about acknowledging the reverence due to God. We start by recognizing His holiness and honor. It's the first step in realigning our hearts to His greatness.

“Thy Kingdom Come, Thy Will Be Done on Earth as it is in Heaven” – Here, we turn our hearts away from our own concerns and focus on what matters to God. We pray for His will to be done, not just in our own lives but in the world around us. We pray for the leaders, the nations, and those who don’t yet know Him.

“Give Us This Day Our Daily Bread” – In this part, we ask God for what we need today—both the physical and spiritual needs that will sustain us. It’s a reminder to trust that He knows our needs and wants. He will provide all things that are good, and we need to ask.

“Forgive Us Our Trespasses as We Forgive Those Who Trespass Against Us” – Before we ask for anything else, we deal with any unforgiveness in our hearts. Jesus teaches us that forgiveness is vital—not just to receive it but also to offer it. Our relationships with others affect our relationship with God.

“Lead Us Not Into Temptation, but Deliver Us From Evil” – In this line, we ask for protection, strength, and guidance through life’s struggles. We acknowledge our weaknesses and our constant need for God’s help to resist temptation and navigate the challenges of life.

“For Thine is the Kingdom, the Power, and the Glory Forever” – No matter what, we close by affirming God’s eternal reign over everything. We surrender our will to His, trusting that His plans are perfect and eternal.

“Amen” – And finally, we seal our prayer with “Amen,” which means “Let it be so.” It's an affirmation of trust, belief, and acceptance in God’s will.

What I’ve come to understand is that this prayer isn’t just something we recite, but a guide for our hearts and minds as we communicate with God. It teaches us how to approach Him with humility, how to focus on His will, and how to trust in His provision. Most importantly, it helps us remember the larger picture about God’s kingdom and our place within it.

I encourage you to use the Lord's Prayer not just as words to say, but as a framework to deepen your relationship with God. Let it guide you in shaping your prayers and help you focus on what truly matters. Jesus, after all, was the best teacher.

Blessings,
Steph