**Our Lord’s Prayer: Matthew 6:9-13**
Dear brothers and sisters in Christ,
Today, I want to talk to you about the powerful prayer that Jesus himself taught us – Our Lord’s Prayer. This prayer, found in the book of Matthew 6:9-13, is more than just a set of words to be recited. It is a model for how we should approach God in prayer, and a reminder of the deep connection we have with our Heavenly Father.
In the Our Lord’s Prayer, Jesus begins by addressing God as “Our Father in heaven.” This simple yet profound statement reminds us of the intimate relationship we have with God. He is not a distant, unreachable deity, but a loving Father who cares for us deeply. When we pray, we are coming before a God who knows us by name and desires to be in relationship with us.
Next, Jesus prays, “Hallowed be Your name.” In this line, we are reminded of the holiness and majesty of God. His name is to be revered and honored above all else. When we pray, we should approach God with reverence and awe, acknowledging His greatness and glory.
The next part of the Our Lord’s Prayer focuses on God’s kingdom and His will. Jesus prays, “Your kingdom come, Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.” This is a powerful declaration of surrender and submission to God’s plan. We are acknowledging that His kingdom is above all earthly kingdoms, and His will is perfect and sovereign. When we pray in this way, we are aligning our hearts with God’s purposes and inviting His kingdom to reign in our lives.
The Our Lord’s Prayer also includes petitions for our daily needs. Jesus instructs us to pray, “Give us this day our daily bread.” This is a reminder that God is our provider, and He cares for our needs. When we come to Him in prayer, we can trust that He will provide for us, both physically and spiritually.
Jesus also teaches us to pray for forgiveness in the Our Lord’s Prayer. He says, “And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors.” This is a call to humility and repentance. We are acknowledging our sinfulness and our need for God’s forgiveness. And in turn, we are called to extend that same forgiveness to others. When we pray in this way, we are reminded of the grace and mercy that God has shown us, and we are called to extend that same grace to those around us.
Finally, the Our Lord’s Prayer ends with a petition for protection and deliverance. Jesus prays, “And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.” This is a plea for God’s guidance and protection in our lives. We are acknowledging our dependence on God to lead us away from temptation and to deliver us from the forces of evil that seek to harm us. When we pray in this way, we are entrusting ourselves into God’s care and seeking His strength to overcome the trials and temptations we face.
Brothers and sisters, as we reflect on the Our Lord’s Prayer, let us remember the deep truths it holds for us. Let us approach God with reverence and humility, acknowledging His holiness and sovereignty. Let us trust in His provision and forgiveness, and seek His guidance and protection in all aspects of our lives. May the words of Our Lord’s Prayer remind us of the loving Father we have in God, and the powerful connection we have with Him through prayer.
As we close, let us once again recite the words of Our Lord’s Prayer:
“Our Father in heaven, hallowed be Your name. Your kingdom come, Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.”
Amen.