A Pattern for Prayer


"Pray like this: 'Our Father in heaven, may your name be kept holy. Let your Kingdom come. Let your will be done, as in heaven, so on earth. Give us today our daily bread. Forgive us our debts, as we also forgive our debtors. Bring us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one. For yours is the Kingdom, the power, and the glory forever. Amen.' "
—Matthew 6:9-13 WEB*

He said to them, "When you pray, say, 'Our Father in heaven, may your name be kept holy. May your Kingdom come. May your will be dine on earth, as it is in heaven. Give us day by day our daily bread. Forgive us our sins, for we ourselves also forgive everyone who is indebted to us. Bring us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.' "
—Luke 11:2-4 WEB*

Whether you call it the Lord's Prayer, the Disciples' Prayer, the Pater Noster, or the Our Father, it is a prayer given by Jesus to His followers. Jesus was teaching how to pray and gave this example. But how are we to use it? Are we to recite it? We can, but we can also use it as a pattern for our prayers as well as a pattern for our living. So what can we learn?

Worship the Lord God for who and what He is (see 1 Chronicles 29:11-13; Psalms, 8-9; 24; 65; 104; 139; Ephesians 1:3). Thank Him for what He has done in your life and thank Him for His Word (See Psalm 30; 40; 1 Thessalonians 5:18; James 1:17).

Pray for God's will and rule in your life, family, business, church, nation, and world. Be willing to submit to Him. (see Matthew 6:33; Romans 12:1-2; Colossians 3:1-4).

Make your requests known to the Father. Petition Him for your life's needs and for the needs of those you love. Be specific (see John 14:13-14).

Confession and cleansing are keys to successful prayer (see Exodus 32:30-32; Psalms 51; 139:23-24; 1 John 1:9). Be willing to forgive those who have wronged you (see Hebrew 12:15; James 3).

Ask for and claim victory over temptation (see James 4:7-8). Claim His protection in your life (see 1 John 4:4). Proclaim Him as Lord, Master, and Ruler of your life. Seek to surrender to Him in every area of your life. Ask that His kingdom come and that His creation witness His power and glory. Ask God to send revival and spiritual awakening to your life, your church, your city, your nation, and the world. Pray for the discernment to receive His power and glory.

* WEB - The World English Bible, a Public Domain, Modern English translation of the Holy Bible developed by Rainbow Missions, Inc. URL: ebible.org

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