By John David Hicks
The disciples asked Jesus to teach them to pray. He taught them what we know as the “Lord’s Prayer.” This model prayer clarifies what we should say and how we should approach our heavenly Father in prayer.
“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, forever. Amen. (Matthew 6:9-13 KJV).
1. Praise God for who He is! Our Father which art in heaven, Hollowed be thy name. To hallow God’s name is to fear the name, to make it sacred, to hold it in awe. You begin with praise, exalting the name of the Lord, JEHOVAH–YAHWEH and thanking Him for sending His son, Jesus Christ to be our Savior and Redeemer (Gal. 4:4-7). You hallow the Lord by praising His names: Praise God because He washes away your sins… He is your JEHOVAH-TSIDKENU, our Righteousness. He fills you with peace in your heart… He is your JEHOVAH-SHALOM. He heals you… He is your JEHOVAH-RAPHA. He provides for your provision… He is your JEHOVAH-JIREH. He provides security and protection from Satan… He is your JEHOVAH NISSI. He is always there in your heart, His temple… He is your JEHOVAH-SHAMMAH. He is your guide… He is your JEHOVAH-ROHI, your shepherd. Praise and thank God for all the benefits he provides for you.
2. Summit to His Lordship! Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. The kingdom is now and is future-oriented. From Scripture we know God’s will is for us to work for peace and justice. You are to pray and declare God’s Kingdom of righteousness, joy and peace (Rom. 14:17) to come in you, in your loved ones, in your church and in your world. But God’s kingdom must first be established in you. This happens when you obey Him and accept His will and authority in your life (Matt. 6:33).
3. Ask Him for daily provision! Give us this day our daily bread. Do you care and pray about starving people? You can ask the Lord for provision for physical and material needs (Phil. 4:19). (1) Pray in the Will of God (1 John 5:14-15). (2) Claim the promises and believe it is God’s will to prosper you and them (Mark 10:29-30; Phil. 4:13). (3) Be specific and make definite requests (James 4:2; Phil. 4:6). (4) Be persistent (Luke 18:1). Remember to ask, seek and knock (Matt. 7:7).
4. Intercede for relationships! And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. You must forgive and release others if you want God to forgive you. Don’t allow anything or anyone to steal your joy and peace in the Lord. You are to bless and curse not (Matt. 12:14). Remember, your defense is the armor of God (Eph. 6:14-17). Ask yourself, whose life shall I change, and what circumstances shall I influence today with my prayers?
5. Intercede for victory over evil! And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. Ask God to make you aware of temptation and the evil one. Pray a hedge of protection around yourself, your loved ones and your possessions. Psalm 91 gives three good reasons why you should claim God’s protection: (1) Because you have made the Lord your habitation or dwelling place (v9). (2) Because you have set your love upon Him (v14). (3) Because you have acknowledged His name, His character (v14). “Those who know your name will trust in you, for you, LORD, have never forsaken those who seek you” (Psalm 9:10).
6. Close with Praise and Thanksgiving! For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever. Amen. Praise God because you are in the kingdom and are a temple that God the Holy Spirit lives in (1 Cor. 6:19-20). “On that day you will realize that I am in my Father, and you are in me, and I am in you. Whoever has my commands and obeys them, he is the one who loves me. He who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I too will love him and show myself to him” (John 14:20–21). “Praise God, from whom all blessings flow; Praise Him, all creatures here below; Praise Him above, ye heav’nly host; Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost!” –Amen!