The Lord’s prayer was the response of Jesus Christ to His disciples who requested for His guide on how to pray. Our Father prayer is significant because it gives a clear picture of the expected relationship between you and the LORD.

Today’s message explains the in-depth meaning of the Lord’s prayer and how to apply the lessons for your prayer life.

What is the Meaning of the Lord’s Prayer?

Jesus’ teaching on prayers as recorded in the book of Luke chapter 11 means a template describing the best way to relate with the LORD and how to ask for the best from Him. The following points highlight the meaning of the Lord’s Prayer;

1. How to worship the LORD,

2. Embrace His Will,

3. Right things to ask from Him,

4. Significance of forgiveness and

5. Deliverance from the Devil.

Lord’s Prayer Verses in the Bible

You can find it recorded in the book of Luke and Matthew chapter 6 verse 9 to 13, but the verses below are written in the book of Luke chapter 11 verse 2 to 4:

“So, He said to them, “When you pray, say: Our Father in heaven, Hallowed be Your name. Your kingdom comes. Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.”

“Give us day by day our daily bread.”

“And forgive us our sins, for we also forgive everyone who is indebted to us. And do not lead us into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.”

Is Our Father Prayer a Template for Christians?

Some Bible scholars argue that the recitation of the prayer was strictly temporary for the disciples before the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Since, the bloody sacrifice of Jesus Christ had wiped away our sins at once, then repeating the Lord’s prayer every day (for forgiveness of sin) would contradict the salvation of Jesus Christ.

However, there are many lessons to learn as a guidance for your prayer lifestyle:

1. “Our Father in heaven”

It is wrong to start your prayers by mentioning the names of angels or by saying ‘god of your pastor’. The safest way to invite GOD to your communication is to call Him by His true name. Since you have a good relationship with the LORD through Jesus Christ, then you are His child and He is your Father.

2. “Hallowed be Your name”

It is good to start your prayers with worship and praise to the LORD.

3. “Your kingdom comes”

This is word of faith that connotes God’s presence in your life and in the place of communication.

4. “Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven”

Followers of Jesus Christ are under covenant to live a holy life and to obey the commandment of God only. You are not allowed to live on earth the way your carnal nature wants but your lifestyle must be strictly controlled by the LORD.

5. “Give us day by day our daily bread”

Don’t be worn out about your future plans because you don’t know when you would be called home. And, it is wise to take things easy because GOD is primarily interested in your daily provision.

Jesus says: “…Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble…” (Matthew 6:25-34)

6. “And forgive us our sins, for we also forgive everyone who is indebted to us”

If you confess and repent from your sins and accept Jesus Christ then you are free from the bondage of sin. This implies you don’t need to ask for forgiveness all the time, but if you fail to forgive those that sin against you then the blood of Jesus cannot work for you. Love your neighbour as you love yourself.

7. “And do not lead us into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one”

This prayer emphasizes the presence of the devil on earth and temptations comes from him. If the LORD leads your decisions every day, then you cannot fall into temptation and sin.

 Is the Lord’s prayer an eye opener to you today? Have you discovered something new about GOD’s expectation from you? Please share your comments with us.