We invite you today to reflect slowly on The Lord’s Prayer, how Christ tells us we should pray in the Sermon on the Mount. As you pray slowly, ponder each accompanying Bible verse and commentary from Pastor Nick.
The Lord’s Prayer
One day Jesus was praying in a certain place. When he finished, one of his disciples said to him, “Lord, teach us to pray...”
-Luke 11:1
“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. Forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one, for yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever”
-Matthew 6:9-13
“Our Father in heaven...”
1. CONNECT WITH GOD RELATIONALLY
You have not received a spirit that makes you fearful slaves. Instead, you received God’s Spirit when he adopted you as his own children. Now we call him, “Abba, Father” (Romans 8:15 NLT).
God loves for us to call him our Father. Establish your intimate relationship with him and thank him for the relationship you have with him.
“...Hallowed be Your Name...”
2. WORSHIP HIS NAME
God’s name is a place of protection—the righteous can run there and be safe (Proverbs 18:10 MSG).
What are his names?
Righteousness – He makes me clean
Sanctifier – He has called me and set me apart
Healer – He heals all my diseases
Banner of Victory – He has defeated my enemy
Shepherd – He speaks to me and leads me
Peace – He is my peace in every storm
Provider – He supplies all of my needs
“...Your Kingdom come, Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven...”
3. PRAY HIS AGENDA FIRST
He will always give you all you need from day to day if you will make the Kingdom of God your primary concern (Luke 12:31 TLB).
God’s priorities:
Saving the Lost
Guiding those in authority – parental, spiritual, governmental, workplace
His will in us
“...Give us this day our daily bread...”
4. DEPEND ON HIM FOR EVERYTHING
I look up to the mountains—does my help come from there? My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth! (Psalm 121:1-2 NLT).
Ask God for what you want and need and then trust him for the answer.
“...Forgive us our debts as we forgive our debtors...”
5. GET YOUR HEART RIGHT WITH GOD AND PEOPLE
If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness
(1 John 1:9).
Ask God to check your heart and motives. Receive his forgiveness for any area that he brings to mind.
Forgive anyone who has offended you in any way. You can even forgive people in advance.
“...And do not lead us into temptation but deliver us from the evil one...”
6. ENGAGE IN SPIRITUAL WARFARE
For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms (Ephesians 6:12).
Take your stand against the enemy and fight the good fight of faith. Every lie that the enemy has told you should be replaced with the truth of God’s Word.
“...For yours is the Kingdom and the Power and the Glory forever.”
7. EXPRESS FAITH IN GOD’S ABILITY
“Ah, Sovereign LORD, you have made the heavens and the earth by your great power and outstretched arm. Nothing is too hard for you” (Jeremiah 32:17).
End your prayer time by reminding yourself of God’s ability. Return to praise and make your faith declarations.
“Yours is the Kingdom” – all rule belongs to You
“Yours is the Power” – all mightiness flows from You
“Yours is the Glory” – Your victory shall be complete
-Nick LeMonds
Pastor of Local and Global Impact, Visitor Assimilation, and Saturday Night