The Model Prayer

by Lawrence Kelley

The temptation toward extremes is ever present and what is commonly called the Lord's prayer provides a good example. For some it has become a vain repetition, thoughtlessly repeated as if simply saying this particular combination of words will magically produce good fruit in our lives. However, this extreme is not typically a problem among us. Perhaps in fear of sliding into that ditch we tend to overcorrect and make little if any use of this prayer. Yet our Lord has given it as a model that is unsurpassed in showing us how to pray well. The fact that the prayer is intended to be used as a model by the disciples of Jesus is apparent both by the introduction to it here in verse nine and also by the context in which it is found in Luke 11:1.

Our Father in heaven,. Nothing is more important in our prayers than a right understanding about who we are talking to. In a single phrase Jesus addresses two very important matters in this regard. First, as Christians, we are talking to our Father. This knowledge invites confidence and inspires intimacy. Confidence because as our Father, God is Wise & Protecting. Intimacy because as our Father, God is Loving & Accessible inviting us to draw near His gracious throne as need requires. Second, we are talking to the Holy One whose dwelling is in heaven. Intimacy and love do not preclude the need for awe & respect on our part. "Those who have lost sight of God's transcendence can no longer cherish the sheer privilege of addressing Him as Father."

Hallow Your name, Your kingdom come, Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. The primary concern of the people of God, in prayer to God, should be the kingdom of God. Here, Jesus gives us three related requests that we are to make of God for things we cannot accomplish without Him. First, Hallow thy name. The prophets spoke of the New Covenant as the era in which God's name would be known throughout the world."For from the rising of the sun, even to its going down, My name shall be great among the Gentiles...(Mal. 1:11). Second, Thy Kingdom Come. The kingdom of God has been the subject of much error on the part of the premillennialist and, I fear, oversimplification on the part of brethren. The kingdom is God's rule or reign. Jesus is here teaching us to pray that God's righteous and saving reign would become manifest in the world. However, we mustn't think of the kingdom as something absent at one moment and fully present the next. In the parables, Jesus describes it as a dynamic kingdom growing in size and influence over time (Matt 13:31-33). Furthermore, it is a warring kingdom that subdues all rival kingdoms (Dan 2), until they are made subject to Christ (1Cor 15:24-25). All of this is accomplished by non-carnal means (1Cor 10:3-6). We do not pray for the kingdom to be inaugurated, but for it to increase in size & influence. Third, we are to pray that God's will would be performed here on earth just as it is already done in Heaven. Notice that we are NOT taught to pray that we might be whisked away from a hopelessly wicked earth and brought to heaven where God's will is always obeyed. Rather, as God's salt and light, we are to be agents of transformation. God's desire is for the earth to be filled with righteousness. We are to pray for this to happen.

Give us this day our daily bread. These requests do not depart from kingdom concerns, but asks God to provide the necessary means for us to participate in His answering those prayers. We are requesting our daily provision (bread) that we need in order to seek the kingdom, power and glory of God. As a blessed people we must remember that the blessings come from somewhere. We like to attribute our prosperity to the skillful manipulation of market forces, but these are means that God uses to bless us, they are not the source and many modern conservative Christians are guilty of attributing to these things a power they do not posses.

Forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. This too is a daily concern for those who would further God's kingdom. Sin accumulates and if not dealt with on regular basis, bogs us down. No day should pass without seeking God's forgiveness and we should be as picky as possible. As we receive this forgiveness we must extend it to others. The only thing that will bog us down faster than our own transgressions, are the resentments, grudges and hard feelings we hold toward those who have sinned against us. We ought to forgive others as if our own forgiveness depends upon it. Because it does (vv.14,15).

Do not lead us into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one. As fallen creatures we have much to overcome. The world, the flesh and the devil present a formidable challenge to the most dedicated of God's people. We are exhorted elsewhere to put on the whole armor of God in order to withstand the onslaught of evil, but even that, without prayer will prove ineffectual. No spiritual success is possible for those who does not daily seek His protection.

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This page was last modified on March 7, 2007