The Aspects Of Prayer Series

The Aspects of Prayer

Matthew 6: 9-13

We have come to one of the most recognized portions in all of Scripture. I think it would be safe to say, this passage is among the top three most quoted passages, along with Psalm 23 and John 3:16. Most of the time, it is referred to as the Lord’s Prayer.

I don’t want to be dogmatic or over critical, but that is not really an accurate description of this passage. Notice what Jesus said in V.9 – After this manner therefore pray ye: We discover that our Lord said therefore. That reveals that He was referring back to that which He had just said. In the previous verses, He dealt with the various attitudes and errors in prayer. The phrase “After this manner” reveals that Jesus offered a model or illustration for prayer. Clearly, Jesus knew how to pray and this is not a record of a specific prayer Jesus prayed, but rather a model for us to consider as we pray.

In the text we have read, Jesus spoke of nine different aspects of prayer that we are encouraged to embrace as we pray. I want to point out, this is dealing with the attitude of the heart. He has not offered a sample prayer that we are to use instead of seeking the Lord for our needs and desires. If we only recited these words over and over again, we would be guilty of the same vain repetition of the heathen. Let’s take a few moments to consider the words of our Lord as we think on: The Aspects of Prayer.

I. A Prayer of Profession (9a) – After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Each time we pray, we are to recognize the relationship we have with our heavenly Father and His presence in our lives. We are professing our faith and trust in one who is able to hear and answer our prayers. As the children of almighty God, we do not have to approach our Lord with anxiety or apprehension. The saved are now part of His family and we can come before Him with all the confidence that a child does in their earthly father, knowing that God cares for us and is concerned about our needs.

It is also interesting to note, Jesus mentioned the place where our Father resides. We are not seeking help from those who dwell upon this earth, those limited by time, space, financial or physical limitations. We have the assurance of knowing our prayers are directed toward heaven and enjoy all the power and abundance heaven affords.

II. A Prayer of Admiration (9b) – Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. This is genuine recognition of the holiness and purity of our God. As we come before the Lord in prayer, we need to come before Him with a sense of His majesty and holiness. Our prayers are not being offered to sinful men who are influenced by the lusts and desires of the flesh. We have the privilege of coming before the true and living God, One of purity and honor.

We all need reminded of this truth. As we enter the awesome presence of God in prayer, we must come before Him in humble admiration. I fear many jump right into their “wish list” or personal desires, never taking the time to recognize God and give Him the honor He is due. Prayer should be viewed as an exercise that allows us to offer God praise for who He is. 1 Cor.10:31 – Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.

III. Prayer of Expectation (10a) – Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. This has to do with one’s recognition of the sovereignty of God. It speaks of life lived in expectation of His coming again to this earth to establish His kingdom, to rule and reign in complete righteousness.

I am aware that the coming of the kingdom will occur at the end of the age, after the Tribulation, and that there is much that must transpire prior to the establishment of the kingdom. There is certainly application for that in this verse though. Our Lord desires that we live in full expectation of the complete fulfillment of God’s plan. He is coming again and we need to pray and live as if we expect that to happen.

In reality, we ought to live and pray as if we expected the Lord to return for His bride at any moment. If we honestly believed that the Lord could return today, I am sure we would have lived and prayed differently. Our prayers would have been less focused on our personal wants and desires and more upon the will of God being accomplished through us. We would have prayed more for strength, wisdom, and courage to carry out the work of the Lord. There is much yet to be done. There are yet souls in need of salvation. Our Lord is coming soon. Let us live and pray as if we fully expected that to happen at any moment!