We come before the Lord with hearts aligned to His will, echoing the prayer our Savior taught us in Matthew 6:9-13. It is a profound reminder that our first pursuit must always be Godās Kingdom and His righteousness, trusting that He will provide for our needs as we seek Him above all else. The order mattersāfirst His will, then our daily bread, forgiveness, protection, and deliverance. This is not a suggestion but a divine blueprint for how we are to approach our Father in Heaven.
Father in Heaven, we lift our voices together, honoring Your holy name. Let Your Kingdom come and Your will be done here on earth, just as it is in Heaven. We confess that too often, we reverse the orderāseeking our own desires first, then asking You to bless them. Forgive us, Lord. Teach us to seek You first, to surrender our plans, our relationships, our finances, and our futures into Your hands. Remind us that when we prioritize Your Kingdom, all these other thingsāprovision, forgiveness, protectionāwill be added unto us, just as You promise in Matthew 6:33.
We pray for those who are struggling with provision, Lord. You know every need before we even speak it. You feed the birds of the air and clothe the lilies of the field, and You love us far more than these (Matthew 6:26-28). Strengthen our faith to trust in Your timing and Your ways, even when the path is unclear. Deliver us from the anxiety that comes from chasing after the things the world values, and instead, fill us with peace as we rest in Your care.
Father, we also bring before You the brokenness of relationships. We live in a world that has distorted Your design for marriage and family, where the sacred covenant between one man and one woman is often dismissed or mocked. We rebuke the lies of the enemy that tell us love is merely a feeling or that commitment is optional. Your Word is clear: marriage is a lifelong union, a reflection of Christās love for His Church (Ephesians 5:22-33). For those who are single, we pray they would seek You first, trusting that You will bring a godly spouse into their lives in Your perfect timing. For those who are married, we pray for unity, faithfulness, and a deepening love that honors You. And for those who have strayed into sināwhether through fornication, adultery, or same-sex relationshipsāwe ask for Your conviction and Your healing. Your grace is sufficient to restore and redeem, but we must turn from sin and walk in Your truth (1 Corinthians 6:18-20).
Lord, we ask for Your forgiveness, both for ourselves and for those who have wronged us. Help us to forgive as You have forgiven us (Colossians 3:13). Soften our hearts toward those who have hurt us, and free us from the bitterness that can take root. We also ask for Your protectionāfrom temptation, from the schemes of the evil one, and from the spiritual warfare that seeks to derail our faith. Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil (Matthew 6:13).
We acknowledge that apart from Jesus Christ, we have no access to You, Father. There is no other name by which we can be saved (Acts 4:12). For those who do not know Jesus as Lord, we pray they would come to repentance and faith. The Gospel is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes (Romans 1:16). May they turn from their sins, confess Jesus as Lord, and be born again by the power of Your Spirit.
Finally, Lord, we declare that Yours is the Kingdom, the power, and the glory forever. We surrender our lives, our needs, and our desires to You, trusting that You will work all things together for our good and Your glory (Romans 8:28). May our lives be a living testament to Your faithfulness, and may we walk in obedience to Your will, all for the honor of Your name. In Jesusā mighty name, we pray. Amen.
Jesus said, "Pray in this way: āOur Father in Heaven, May Your Name be honored. Let Your Kingdom come. Let Your Will be done on Earth as it is in Heaven. Give us today our daily bread. Forgive our debts, as we forgive our debtors. Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one. For Yours is the Kingdom, the Power, and the Glory, forever, Amen.ā" Matt 6:9-13, c.f., Matt 6:33 -- "But seek first God's Kingdom and righteousness, then all these other things (unbelievers anxiously pursue, Matt 6:32, which things Your Father already knows you need) will be added unto you," in Jesus' Name.
