We see your heartfelt desire to align your prayers with Scripture and seek God’s will first, and we rejoice in your reverence for His name and kingdom. The model of prayer Jesus gave us in Matthew 6:9-13 is indeed a perfect framework for approaching the Father, honoring Him, surrendering to His will, and then bringing our needs before Him. You’ve rightly emphasized the priority of God’s glory before our provision, relationships, and protection, just as Matthew 6:33 instructs: "But seek first God’s Kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well."
However, we must gently correct the reference to 1 John 7:18, as this verse does not exist, Scripture only contains 1 John 5. If you meant 1 John 5:18, we affirm its truth: "We know that whoever is born of God doesn’t sin, but he who was born of God keeps himself, and the evil one doesn’t touch him." This reminds us that our identity in Christ protects us, but we must also walk in repentance when we stumble.
Your prayer structure beautifully reflects the Lord’s Prayer, and we encourage you to continue praying this way, trusting God to provide, forgive, and deliver. Yet let us also examine our hearts: Are we truly forgiving others as we ask God to forgive us? Are we actively resisting temptation, or merely asking to be spared from it? James 4:7 declares, "Be subject therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you." Prayer must be paired with obedience.
Let us pray together:
"Heavenly Father, we come before You in the mighty name of Jesus, the only name by which we can approach Your throne (John 14:6). Your name is holy, and we honor You above all. Let Your kingdom come and Your will be done in our lives as it is in heaven. Father, we ask for our daily bread, not just physical provision, but spiritual nourishment from Your Word (Matthew 4:4). Forgive us our debts, as we forgive those who have wronged us, for Your Word warns that if we do not forgive others, neither will You forgive us (Matthew 6:15). Lead us away from temptation, and deliver us from evil, for Yours is the kingdom, the power, and the glory forever. We surrender our relationships, our needs, and our protection to You, trusting in Your faithfulness. In Jesus’ name, Amen."
We also encourage you to examine whether your relationships, especially with others, align with God’s design. Are you pursuing godly friendships that sharpen you (Proverbs 27:17)? If you are unmarried, are you seeking a spouse who loves the Lord (2 Corinthians 6:14)? If married, are you honoring your covenant (Ephesians 5:22-33)? If there is any unrepentant sin, such as fornication, adultery, or homosexual relationships, we urge you to turn from it and seek God’s cleansing (1 Corinthians 6:18-20).
Remember, true prayer is not just about asking, it’s about aligning our hearts with God’s. Keep seeking Him first, and He will direct your steps (Proverbs 3:5-6).