If you are unsure of how to pray, it is not something to be ashamed of—even the Lord’s disciples in the Bible asked Him to teach them how to pray. And it came to pass, as he was praying in a certain place, that when he ceased, one of his disciples said unto him, Lord, teach us to pray, even as John also taught his disciples. (Luke 11:1)
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).
Prayer is communion with God—a heartfelt conversation and a time of worship, just as singing praises or reading the Word of God. Prayer brings us into the presence of God. The Lord’s Prayer is not merely a recital; it is a model and complete prayer; though short, it embodies the structure and contents of a complete prayer. Here is a breakdown of the structure of the Lord’s Prayer.
1. Starting With Praises
Start with adoring God’s holiness—this sets the tone of reverence and humility. We enter into God’s presence with thanksgiving—for what He has done or yet to do, then we proceed to bless and praise Him for who He is. Enter into His gates with thanksgiving, and into His courts with praise: Give thanks unto Him, and bless His name. (Psalms 100:4).
2. Surrender and Kingdom Focus
We express our submission to His Lordship—asking Him to reveal Himself and calling Him to reign over our lives, implying that we are His, under His command, and subject to His leading. Know ye that Jehovah, He is God: It is He that hath made us, and we are His; we are His people, and the sheep of His pasture. (Psalms 100:3).
3. Daily Dependence
Petition God for our needs; spiritual sustenance, physical comfort, or emotional healing. We have been given the grace to ask God for anything we want. Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you. (Matthew 7:7). There is no limit to what we can ask of God. However, the caveat is that we don’t ask to satisfy our lust. Ye ask, and receive not, because ye ask amiss, that ye may spend it in your pleasures. (James 4:3).
4. Forgiveness & Grace
This is an open invitation to ask and receive forgiveness from God for our sins and to extend that grace to others. The Bible says we have all sinned and are not worthy of God’s love. For all have sinned, and fall short of the glory of God. (Romans 3:23). In fact, it says if we claim we are without sin, we are liars. This part of the Lord’s Prayer carries a two-way stream of forgiveness, that while we ask the Lord to remove our sins, we also forgive others for the wrong they have done to us. I would be generous to say that we forgive ourselves for mistakes—often, people struggle with getting over their mistakes even after the Lord has forgiven them. If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. (1 John 1:8-9).
5. Protection and Deliverance
This is an earnest plea for guidance and safety. We ask the Lord for deliverance from seasons of trials, from the illusion of self-sufficiency, and the wiles and traps the devil has set for us. God is always there to deliver us. Who delivered us out of so great a death, and will deliver: on whom we have set our hope that He will also still deliver us. (2 Corinthians 1:10).
6. Declare His Almightiness
Conclude your prayer by declaring the Almightiness of God over all. ...For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen. (Matthew 6:13).
BONUS: Faith is the key ingredient for us to receive answers from God; we must have faith that He is true, He is willing to hear and help us, and He is able to do what we have asked of Him.
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Closing Reflection
As you meditate on the Lord’s Prayer, let each verse shape the way you approach God—worshipfully, childlike, and full of faith. This prayer is more than a model to follow; it is an invitation into the heart of the Father and into the fellowship He desires with His children. I pray that this has revealed something fresh to you about prayer and drawn you closer to Him.
If you do not have a relationship with God, and you desire to—and the Holy Spirit has convicted your heart of God’s truth and love—begin with the confession below.
God, I confess that I am a sinner, and I have fallen short of Your glory. I believe in my heart that Jesus Christ died and rose again for my sins. Therefore, I confess Jesus as my Lord and Savior. Let Him be my Lord henceforth, in Jesus’ name. Amen.
