Jesus responded to His disciple’s request on how to pray with what many call “The Lord’s Prayer.” It is actually “The Model Prayer” (The Lord’s Prayer would be found in John 17). A brief form of this “Model Prayer” is also found in Luke 11:2-4.
“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” (Matthew 6:9-13).
Now, on the surface, it seems a little simplistic. But do we really understand the significance of it and its importance? I doubt that we do. Here are some insights that will make it more relevant.
1. First, there is the importance of focus – what we focus upon is where we go and what consumes our lives. Here the beginning and the ending of the prayer focuses upon the Father, His holiness, His kingdom, His power and his glory. If we will practice daily refocusing our attention (and it is a daily feat) upon God as our Father (personal relationship) and upon His eternal attributes it will do wonders for us mentally and spiritually. Most of our worries and problems come because we are focused on “what if,” “who did what to us,” ourselves, or the powers of the world coming against us. We live in a “me focused” world with encouragement to go in that direction.
2. Secondly, there is the “daily bread” idea. Is it just food for our physical body? I think not. I believe it has to do with His “Word” to us daily. If we can get God’s word on our heart and act by faith on this word we will have it all – direction, an understanding of His Will, what we need to be about today and power in prayer.
3. Then there is the “forgive us our debts” concept. Why is this important? It is important because it has to do with the cleansing and clarity of our heart. Why is this important? Because the heart needs to be clear to receive the Word by which we are to live each day.
4. Then, lastly before the conclusion, we must face each day ‘on guard’ and be watchful of the evil one, recognizing our vulnerability, and trusting in God’s protection.
There is much more we could say on this brief outline prayer. Allow me to conclude by focusing on the “daily bread” and “forgive us our debts as we forgive” concepts.
Here, in my opinion, is the deeper meaning. Jesus told the devil that “man shall not live by bread alone but by every word that proceeds out of the mouth of God.” He told the disciples “I have food to eat that you know not of.” He called Himself the “bread of life.” He said, “I only do that which I see of my Father.”
Here is the point – Every day get God’s Word on your clear and clean heart, act on this word by faith and dependency upon the Father, with His kingdom in focus and powerful things can and will happen in your life. You will begin to live in the “abundance” Jesus talked about in John 10:10.
This is not just a simple liturgical form for worship. It has deeper meaning. It is daily and relevant. God has a fresh word just for you today. Learn to feed upon it and live by it.
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