DO YOU ACTUALLY BELIEVE THE LORD’S EXAMPLE PRAYER FOR US?

I’m thankful to have grown up in a home where my parents were faithful to acknowledge the Lord in prayer.  From them, I learned to see the Lord God as more than just a genie (telling Him our wishes) and a counselee (advise Him how to solve our problems). Now, it’s my job to teach my kids to do as the Apostle Paul tells the church at Thessalonica, "...pray without ceasing" (1 Thess. 5:17).  So, is prayer more than just thanking the Lord for our food or asking for protection while traveling in the car? There’s a model prayer that Jesus specifically asked us to pray…the problem is, the doctrine in this prayer, doesn’t agree with the popular teaching of today. Almost nobody prays within the model, which Jesus gave us to pray. Why not? Would Jesus ask you to pray false doctrine? 

The Lord Jesus asked His followers to pray after this model prayer. Just 5 verses.  He didn’t ask much. If you’re not sure what to pray, I’d start here,  then build on this example. Have you ever considered the elements in this prayer? It’s staggering to consider the incredible claims, which Christ made in this prayer! Let’s examine the words and see if it agrees with your theology.

Matthew 6:9-13 

9 “In this manner, therefore, pray: Our Father in heaven, Hallowed be Your name. 

10 Your kingdom come. Your will be done On 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 do not lead us into temptation, But deliver us from the evil one. For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.”

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Verse 9: “hallowed”. This means “sanctified” or “holy.” As we enter before the throne of the King of the Earth, it’s important to gather your thoughts towards Him. He’s different than us...He’s holy, untouched by sin. Isaiah found this out when he saw the throne room in His vision in Isaiah 6.  An accurate view of God’s position (in heaven) and holiness (hallowed), will result in an awareness of our weakness and sin.  two other passages which give us a glimpse into His throne room is Ezekiel 1 and Revelation 4.

Verse 10: Jesus is literally saying here for us to get on board with His plan for global dominion! He was given an everlasting Kingdom at His ascension (Acts 1, Daniel 7). At the time this example was given, Christ had not received His Kingdom yet. Therefore He gives the example of praying for the Kingdom to “come” in the future tense. Today, His Kingdom is well established and has come. After Christ resurrected, He remained on the earth for 40 days. During these 40 days, He spent His time preaching and teaching on His Kingdom. 

Acts 1:3 

“to whom He also presented Himself alive after His suffering by many infallible proofs, being seen by them during forty days and speaking of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God.”

As recorded in verse 10b, Christ then tells us to pray that His will would be done ON EARTH AS IT IS IN HEAVEN. Did you know that Christ believes that His will can be made a reality on earth? It’s true. It’s a shame most of His followers don’t believe this.  Most believe that it’s impossible and the world will get worse. As time marches On, the church will get this right, but for now most believe the day we live in today is the worst time period ever and getting worse by the day! But Jesus told us to pray that earth and Heaven would begin to look more and more similar. Did He ask us to pray for something that is impossible and theologically inconsistent with Biblical eschatology? Of course not. I think He asked us to pray for His will to be done on earth as it is done in Heaven, because that’s His plan! 

Verse 11: A focused heart on daily needs, will result in peace. Surrendering to Christ’s provision for our lives, will set us apart from the rat race and drama of the ungodly. We’re free from the feeling of desperation, which comes from the long term planning process. We just need for today...tomorrow will soon become, today. This mindset will free up for the Lord’s use in Kingdom building!

Verse 12: Allowing the cross to focus our minds and emotions, on dealing with others, is crucial for our spiritual well being. Have you been hurt by others (that makes us human, I suppose!)? How can you possibly forgive them when justice hasn’t been served in the situation? Remember, you don’t want justice on your soul...Christ took your justice on Himself. Don’t be so quick to want others to get “what they deserve.” You may be condemning yourself! Be wealthy in mercy, and give it away generously and often. 

Verse 13: Here’s another verse focused on the Kingdom. Notice here what will keep us from growing, and will also keep you from being a healthy citizen of heaven. The enemy provides temptation, and us not asking for deliverance from this, will result in spiritual paralysis. Again, Christ underscores the Kingdom, which we are to focus our lives. How long does this Kingdom last, 1,000 years? No, but rather forever! 

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Do you believe in the truth of the Lord’s example prayer? Or do you say it doesn’t apply to you? Most today would say that this prayer ONLY applies to Israel, but not the “church.” Could it be that this model prayer is for His followers? Could it be that simple?  He gave us a short prayer, contained in 5 verses, and told us to pray after this example...can you imagine forsaking this prayer and just asking for His blessings on you and your family? Will you spend the rest of your life talking to your personal genie, or would you like to be apart of the greatest movement in the history of the world…seeing earth look more and more like Heaven…make sure you’re right!!