How to Pray the Lord's Prayer
Watch Biblical MessagesHow to Pray the Lord's Prayer
Watch Biblical MessagesThe Lord’s Prayer is an example of how to pray.
Often, we are told that prayer is one of the most important things a Christian can do. It is also one of the most powerful tools we have. Through prayer we can talk to God, ask questions, and know God, ourselves, and others more. The Lord’s Prayer is a guiding framework for the practice of prayer.
It can be difficult, however, to know where to start. One of the greatest examples is given to us by Jesus in the Bible. This is just one example of how to pray and an excellent place to begin if you are unsure of how to pray.
Why Do We Pray the Lord’s Prayer?
When we understand how to pray through the Lord’s Prayer, we have a greater understanding of how to pray. Even though the Lord’s Prayer may seem simple, we can learn a lot about who God is and our relationship with our Creator in the practice of prayer. Each section of the prayer teaches us about God and also teaches us one of the best ways to pray.
In Luke 11, right after Jesus teaches His followers the Lord’s Prayer, He tells them that God is the perfect parent who loves and cares for us. Jesus tells us to knock at the door and God will answer. We should bring our prayers to God, the one who cares for us. If you need encouragement in prayer, the Lord’s Prayer can help guide you and teach you.
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Our God, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name…
Jesus opens this prayer by worshiping God as holy. When you pray, start by praising God for who God is. Acknowledge the goodness and faithfulness of our Creator, and praise the many attributes of God, who cares for us as a loving parent.
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Thy Kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven…
When we pray the Lord’s Prayer, we are reminded to pray for God’s rule and reign in our neighborhoods, cities, nations, and lives. Pray for God’s Kingdom to come into this world and ask for God’s guidance.
Give us this day our daily bread
God has promised provision for our everyday needs. When we are praying, ask for your daily needs, whether that be food, shelter, or health. Jesus tells us in Luke 12 that God cares for all our needs, so make those needs known before God.
Forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who have trespassed against us…
1 John 1 says that when we confess our sins to God, we will be forgiven. Take some time to confess to God. Let the Holy Spirit guide your prayer. Allow the Holy Spirit to bring to mind people or situations that need the healing presence of the Lord.
Lead us not into temptation…
God has promised to protect us from temptation and has given us the Holy Spirit to guide us. 1 Corinthians reminds us that God offers us a way out of temptation and into righteousness. Pray for God to protect you from temptation and unholiness, and ask God to lead you in your daily life.
But deliver us from evil…
God desires for us to live a full and healed life. Pray for God’s protection over your life and the world. Ask God to protect you from harm, and pray for God to deliver the world from darkness.
For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever and ever. Amen.
When you pray, remember that God is powerful over all things. Jeremiah 10 says that God created all things and has power over all things. If you are discouraged, uncertain, or lost, remember that you can pray to an all-powerful God who loves you.
