THE LORD’S PRAYER : A MODEL FOR PRAYER
Matthew.6:9-13.
I SALUTATION:
The Lord Jesus taught us how we should begin our prayers.
1.THE PERSON: "Our Father".
Our prayer will be most effective when we come to God as His children and call Him father. When God sees the sincere love of our hearts He will be moved with compassion to answer our prayers.
2.THE PLACE: "Which art in heaven"
We should realize that God is seated on the throne in heaven having dominion over the whole universe.
3.THE PRONOUNCEMENTS: “ Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.”
We must begin our prayer by expressing our reverence and worship to God. We should first show concern about His kingdom and fulfillment of His will on the earth. We should surrender our lives to His will.
II SUPPLICATION;
Only after we’ve praised and worshipped God we should bring our requests to Him. The Lord Jesus has taught us the requests that we should bring before God.
4. PROVISION:” Give us this day our daily bread “
We should pray for God’s provision everyday our lives and look to Him for the supply of all our needs
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5.PARDON: ”and forgive us our debts as we forgive our debtors “
It is very important that we pray for the forgiveness of our sins and receive a daily cleansing. And we should also forgive those who have wronged us and be free from all bitterness.
6.PROTECTION: “ and lead us not into temptation , but deliver us from evil”
The Lord teaches us to pray for both spiritual and physical protection. It is better to pray before disaster strikes and thus prevent it.
III SUMMATION;
The Lord has taught us how we should end our prayer. We should not end in a negative manner, but we should close with faith and confidence, realizing the greatness of God.
7. THE PROPRIETORSHIP: “ For thine is the kingdom “
God is the owner of the universe and we should close our prayer proclaiming His ownership.
8. THE POWER: “ and the power “
Power belongs to God and we should realize it as we end our prayer. We are praying to an all-powerful God.
9. THE PRESTIGE: “ and the glory ,for ever , Amen. “
All glory belongs to God and we should ask God to grant our request with the motive of glorifying His and not for any selfish purpose.
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