Matthew - The Lord's Prayer, Part 1

In today's study from Matthew 6:9-14, we continue to look at what is called The Lord's Prayer.

The Lord’s Prayer

vv.9-14 After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.  (10)  Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in 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 lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.  (14)  For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you:

Now the Lord instructs the disciples on how to pray with what has been improperly titled “The Lord’s Prayer.” It is actually the “Disciples Prayer” for the Lord said, “After this manner therefore pray ye,” (v.9).   The “ye” would be them and not him.

Topical Message “Prayer”

Now, I would like to start a topical message on the issue of prayer today for the church. Let’s take a closer look at the “Lord’s Prayer”.

I. Definition of Prayer

Prayer may best be defined as “having fellowship with God.” It is more than simply talking to God, but rather talking with God. It implies a two-way give and take.

II. Elements of Prayer

Looking at the model prayer that was given here by Jesus, we find that prayer includes ten elements.

1. A Personal Relationship with God: “Our Father”

2. Faith: “in heaven”

3. Worship: “Hallowed by thy name”

Worship means to honor and love as a deity.   It is to regard with ardent or adoring esteem or devotion or to revere. David felt this part of prayer to be so important that he appointed a select group of men who did nothing else in the temple but praise and worship God (cf. 1 Chr. 23:1-5; 25:1-7).

In the book of Revelation we are told that there are four special angeles who exist solely to worship God! Revelation 4:8 “And the four beasts had each of them six wings about him; and they were full of eyes within: and they rest not day and night, saying, Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty, which was, and is, and is to come.”

Jesus spoke of worship when speaking to the Samaritan woman. John 4:23-24 “But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him.  God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.” God desires to be worshiped by us.

4. Expectation: “Thy kingdom come”

This kingdom is that blessed millennial kingdom spoken of so much in the Old Testament (cf. Isa 2:2-4). We should live in the expectation of the kingdom being established today. We should want it to be established today. However, for us, it will begin with the Rapture of the Church.

Once while Francis of Assisi was hoeing his garden, he was asked, "What would you do if you were suddenly told you would die at sunset today?" He replied, "I would finish hoeing my garden." Would we have that kind of attitude if we knew today would be our last?

According Gallup, “The belief that Jesus Christ will return to earth someday is held by 62 percent of all Americans” (cf. Luke 12:31-40).