The Lord’s Prayer

Our scripture today is probably one of the most recognizable and most often quoted sections; repeated in many books, television shows and movies throughout most of the world.

It comes from Matthew 6:9-13:

“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.” 

Now, many people know this prayer by heart, and that is a good thing, and there are many who likewise recite his prayer rote as a matter of habit or ritual, and this is what needs to be addressed. The power in this prayer is not the exact words used, but in the principles of this prayer as a model. Jesus was giving us an example of how to pray, not a prayer to memorize and recite without any passion behind it as a ritual.

Let us take it line by line and examine the meanings behind it.

“Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.”

Jesus at the start was showing us how to approach God, who is actually our Father, with praise and worship first before we ask for anything. This also maintains in us a rightful sense of reverence as we acknowledge that we are actually communing with the Lord.

“Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.”

Here we are making a conscious acknowledgment and statement to continually surrender our will and self desires; and we are submitting
ourselves wholly to the will of God.

“Give us this day our daily bread”

This here is not just referring to physical food, although that is part of it… but it is for every daily provision; from heath, to finances, to mercy and grace of spirit. Notice also that it is daily bread not to store-up extra for tomorrow or next week, but it is a provision for today only, requiring us to come to Him day by day. This is an act of daily worship and reliance upon or Vine for continued provision.

“And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.” 

An act of repentance, we are to forgive each other in the same manner that God forgive us of our own sins; for what is anything against us when we ourselves are guilty of a much greater offense to God and yet God forgave us.

“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.” 

A request of God to continually protect us from evil and temptation. God is always faithful to help us in times of attack. And here we acknowledge that His is the ultimate authority and power over our enemies, and that if we remain strong in Him, no-one and nothing can prosper against us.

The word “Amen” is an affirmation meaning “So be it truly”, it is not simply a sound to make at the end of a prayer that makes it a prayer, but it is an actual statement of agreement which indicates that you will it to be as you have spoken. Almost like a Yes Handshake, a binding action and agreement.

There is nothing wrong with reciting the Lord’s Prayer… I am not against that at all! It is the vain repetition without any true feeling or emotion that indeed robs the Lord’s Payer of all its purpose and meaning.

When we take the time to actually analyze and look deeper into the meaning of the words, it gives a greater sense of meaning and a deeper understanding of them.

I hope this study has blessed and helped you as much as it has me. It is another way for us to stay more connected to the Lord our Vine.