Praising God for Who He Is, What He Does, and What He Will Do
One way we can deepen our abiding relationship with the Triune God is by praying the Lord’s Prayer regularly. Let’s consider what it looks like not merely to pray the words Jesus gave His first followers but also to use this prayer as a pattern for our walking and talking relationship with God today.
It did not take Jesus’ disciples long to notice that prayer—conversation with the Father—was a high priority for their Teacher! There came a point, in fact, when the disciples made a request: “Lord, teach us to pray” (see Luke 11:1).
Thus, Jesus gave them what is commonly known as the Lord’s Prayer. Yet it probably is more appropriately labeled the Disciples’ Prayer, as Jesus explained to the disciples how they should pray. As a result, God has given us a roadmap on how He would like us to pray to Him. Think of each part below as a stand-alone way to praise and worship God.
There are two distinct sections, and both are about God. The first is a proclamation of who God is and His relationship to us, and the second is a proclamation of God as our provider. We move from praising and worshiping God for who He is to praising and worshiping Him for how He provides for us now and will continue to do so in the future.
As you follow this guided way to pray the Lord’s Prayer, we encourage you to do two things. First, sincerely pray along as you are guided. Second, keep in the back of your mind that this pattern can be adapted in a number of ways in the future. How might you do so?
Based on Matthew 6:9-13, pray then like this (v. 9):
Our Father in heaven (v. 9). I praise You, God, for creating me, loving me, being my Abba (Daddy) Father, creating all that is good, being a good and powerful God, being in control. . . .
Hallowed be Your name (v. 9). I praise You, God, for You are holy, just, worthy of worship, trustworthy, more than enough for all my problems. . . . I exalt Your name!
Your Kingdom come (v. 10). I praise You, God, for You are Creator, Ruler, King of all. . . . Restore Your creation. Redeem Your people. Give us hope. Heal us. Be glorified!
Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven (v. 10). God, I submit to You. I give You my money, time, and talents; use them for Your glory. Help me share Your Good News and partner with You as You build Your Kingdom and Your church. Help me see and love others as You do.
Give us this day our daily bread (v. 11). I praise You, God, for providing for me, fulfilling my needs, and giving me more than I could ever imagine now and in the future. Help me to be thankful for what You have graciously entrusted to me.
Forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors (v. 12). I praise You, God, for redeeming me, making a way so I can be with You, sending Your Son, Jesus Christ, to die for my sins. Help me to forgive others and not judge them. Soften my heart.
Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil (v. 13). I praise You, God, for protecting me, guiding me, giving me Your Holy Spirit, giving me Your Holy Bible, giving me Your church, surrounding me with others who love me, encouraging me. . . .
Now it is your turn to talk with God in light of the Lord’s Prayer as illustrated in the example above. With sincerity of heart before a listening King, fill in the blanks as you feel led:
- Our Father in heaven (v. 9).
- Hallowed be Your name (v. 9). Your Kingdom come (v. 10).
- Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven (v. 10).
- Give us this day our daily bread (v. 11).
- Forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors (v. 12).
- Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil (v. 13).