The Lord’s Prayer, also known as the Our Father, is a prayer that was taught by Jesus to his disciples. It is a Christian prayer that is widely used in worship and personal devotion. The prayer is recorded in the Bible, specifically in the Matthew chapter 6, verses 9-13:
The Lord’s Prayer Verses Matthew (KJV)
“Matthew 6:9-13“
After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.
Meaning of the Lord’s Prayer Verse by Verse
The prayer is structured around several key themes, each of which is addressed in a specific line or phrase:
- Our Father which art in heaven (Matthew 6:9a) –Addressing God: The prayer begins with an acknowledgement of God’s holiness and sovereignty, as Jesus instructs his disciples to address God as “Our Father in heaven.” The first step to praying is acknowledging His existence and place in your life. That’s why the Bible said whoever that comes to Him must first believe that He, and that He is a rewarder of them that diligently seek Him – Hebrews 11:6
- Hallowed be thy name (Matthew 6:9b) –Praising God: The prayer continues with a statement of praise and adoration for God’s name, acknowledging the greatness and majesty of God. After acknowledging His place, next is to appreciate for His work and activities in your life. When a man does something for you and you appreciate it wholeheartedly, it encourages that man to do more. In the same vein, when we show gratitude to God He does more, because He loves to be glorified, and that’s why He can’t share His glory with another.
- Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven (Matthew 6:10) –Seeking God’s Will: The prayer then moves to a request for God’s kingdom to come and for God’s will to be done on earth, just as it is in heaven. Rather than praying for personal stuff first, Jesus Christ thought them to ask for God’s will first. Confirming Matthew 6:33 as a blueprint for living a righteous living.
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- Give us this day our daily bread (Matthew 6:11) – Requesting Provision: The next part of the prayer is a request for daily provision, asking for God to provide the necessities of life. Now that you’ve acknowledged God, praised Him and asked for His will, then you can ask Him for your needs.
- And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors (Matthew 6:12) – Seeking Forgiveness: The prayer then moves to a request for forgiveness, asking for God’s mercy and forgiveness of sins. It also includes an acknowledgement of the importance of forgiving others. In order for your request or needs not to ignored, or to avoid unanswered prayers, Jesus thought them to as for the mercies of God. As much as it’s important to be forgiven by God, it is equally important for us to forgive others so our prayers are not hindered.
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- And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen (Matthew 6:13) – The final part of the prayer is a request for protection from temptation and evil, asking for God’s guidance and deliverance from the forces of darkness and, final acknowledgement.
The Lord’s Prayer Explained
Before praying for deliverance from the forces of darkness, Jesus thought them to first acknowledge and honor God, pray for his will, and so on. Most of us Believers are too concerned about evil forces, and that’s why they too are concerned about your lives and endeavours. The Lord’s prayer Is not Just a pattern of prayer, but the pattern of life for believers.
It encompasses every aspect our our lives as Believers, ranging from Faith, obedience, love etc. When we pattern our lives in that manner, by loving Him enough to seek Him first above all, we are naturally protected from the forces of darkness. Because we carry God’s seal. Jesus didn’t need to rebuke the forces of darkness, and the evil spirits, but they cried out each time they saw Him acknowledging that He was the son of God, and then He commanded them to come out, and they obeyed.
Many times, we just want to receive, and receive, but we don’t take the time to ask God for His will concerning our lives or a particular situation, and then we just assume. And even when we finally ask, we’re not patient enough to hear from Him before taking a step. We just go ahead and do whatever we want, especially when we feel His response is taking too long.
Overall, the Lord’s Prayer started with acknowledging God and thanksgiving, “Our Father Which art in heaven, hallowed be thy name” and it also ended with acknowledgement and thanksgiving, “For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen” , no wonder the psalmist said in Psalms 100:4
Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name.
Thanksgiving is a key to endless posibilities. A thankful son or daughter will mostly and always get what they want. It is wrong for you to approach God beginning with your requests, while it is not bad to make a request from your father, you must follow it sequencially for maximum result.
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That’s why Jesus thought the His disciples the process of answered prayers. Therefore, we too must follow the laid down process when approaching the throne of grace so our prayers are answered speedily.
The Lord’s Prayer is a powerful and concise prayer that covers a broad range of themes and requests, expressing the believer’s trust in and dependence upon God for all things.
