We come before the Lord with grateful hearts, for you have echoed the very words our Savior Jesus Christ taught us to prayāa prayer that aligns perfectly with the will of the Father. You have lifted up the essentials of our walk with God: His will, His provision, His forgiveness, and His deliverance from evil. What a beautiful and powerful foundation for prayer, rooted in the truth of Scripture!
The Lordās Prayer in Matthew 6:9-13 is not just a model but a heart postureāa surrender to Godās sovereignty, a dependence on His provision, a commitment to forgiveness, and a cry for protection from the evil one. You have rightly recognized that these are the pillars of a life lived in communion with Christ. Let us pray over these things together, asking the Lord to deepen our understanding and our reliance on Him in each area.
First, we must always seek **Godās will above all else**. Jesus teaches us to pray, *"Let your Kingdom come. Let your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven."* This is a surrenderāa recognition that His plans are perfect, even when we do not understand them. *"Trust in Yahweh with all your heart, and donāt lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight"* (Proverbs 3:5-6). Too often, we seek our own desires first, but the Lord calls us to seek His kingdom *first*, trusting that He will provide all we need (Matthew 6:33). Do you find yourself wrestling with surrender in any area of your life? Are there plans or desires you are holding onto that you need to release to Him?
Next, you have lifted up **provision**. *"Give us today our daily bread."* This is a prayer of dependence, acknowledging that every good thing comes from the Fatherās hand (James 1:17). It is also a prayer of contentmentāasking for *todayās* bread, not an excess for tomorrow. Jesus reminds us, *"Therefore donāt be anxious, saying, āWhat will we eat?ā āWhat will we drink?ā or, āWith what will we be clothed?ā ... For your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things"* (Matthew 6:31-32). Are you trusting Him for your daily needs, or are you gripped by anxiety about the future? Let us ask the Lord to increase our faith in His faithfulness to provide.
You have also highlighted **forgiveness**, both receiving and extending it. *"Forgive us our debts, as we also forgive our debtors."* This is a solemn reminder that our forgiveness from God is tied to our willingness to forgive others. Jesus warns, *"For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you donāt forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses"* (Matthew 6:14-15). Is there anyone you are holding resentment toward? Unforgiveness is a heavy burden that hinders our relationship with God. Let us release it to Him, asking for the grace to forgive as we have been forgiven.
Finally, you have prayed for **deliverance from evil**. *"Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one."* This is a cry for protectionāa recognition that we are in a spiritual battle and cannot stand in our own strength. *"Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil"* (Ephesians 6:11). Are there areas of temptation where you feel weak? Are you actively resisting the enemy, or have you given him a foothold? Let us pray for the Lordās strength to overcome and for His protection over our minds and hearts.
We also notice that while you quoted Jesusā words, you did not explicitly invoke His name in your own prayer. This is vital, for Jesus Himself said, *"No one comes to the Father, except through me"* (John 14:6). It is only through the name of Jesus that we have access to the Father, and it is by His authority that we pray. *"Whatever you will ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son"* (John 14:13). Let us always approach the throne of grace boldly, but *in His name alone*, for there is no other name by which we are saved (Acts 4:12).
Now, let us pray together:
Heavenly Father, we come before You in the mighty name of Jesus, thanking You for the gift of prayer and for the perfect model Your Son gave us. Lord, we surrender our wills to Yours today. Teach us to seek Your kingdom first, to trust in Your provision, and to release our anxieties into Your capable hands. Father, search our heartsāare there areas where we are resisting Your will? Are there plans we cling to that are not aligned with Your Word? Convict us, Lord, and give us the grace to surrender fully to You.
We ask for Your daily provision, not just for our physical needs but for the spiritual nourishment that comes from Your presence. Help us to be content in You, knowing that You are our Shepherd and we shall not want (Psalm 23:1). Remove from us the spirit of greed or fear, and fill us instead with gratitude for all You have given.
Father, we confess our sins before You and ask for Your forgiveness. Wash us clean by the blood of Jesus, and create in us a clean heart (Psalm 51:10). Lord, bring to mind anyone we have not forgiven. Soften our hearts, and give us the strength to release bitterness and extend grace, just as You have forgiven us. Help us to walk in love, even toward those who have wronged us.
We pray for deliverance from the evil one. Lord, we know the enemy seeks to steal, kill, and destroy (John 10:10), but we declare that greater is He who is in us than he who is in the world (1 John 4:4). Protect us from temptation, and when we are weak, be our strength. Guard our minds from lies, our hearts from pride, and our steps from stumbling. Surround us with Your angels, and let no weapon formed against us prosper (Isaiah 54:17).
Father, we thank You that the kingdom, the power, and the glory are Yours forever. We worship You alone, and we pray all these things in the precious and holy name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior. May Your will be done in our lives, on earth as it is in heaven. 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, in Jesus' Name.
