Rhythms of Jesus – Week 1: The Discipline of Prayer

Day 2: The Model of the Lord’s Prayer

“This, then, is how you should pray: ‘Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.’” ~ Matthew 6:9-13

When Jesus’ disciples asked Him how to pray, He didn’t give them a formula—He gave them a framework. The Lord’s Prayer is not just a set of words to be recited but a guide for how we approach God in prayer. Each line carries deep meaning and helps shape our conversation with Him.

• “Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name” – We begin by acknowledging who God is. He is our Father, close and personal, yet He is also holy and worthy of our worship.
• “Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven” – Prayer aligns our hearts with God’s will. It is not just about asking for what we want but surrendering to what He desires.
• “Give us today our daily bread” – We depend on God for everything, from our physical needs to our spiritual nourishment. Prayer reminds us of our reliance on Him.
• “And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors” – We seek God’s forgiveness and extend the same grace to others. Prayer is a place of repentance and reconciliation.
• “And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one” – We ask for God’s guidance and protection, recognizing that we need His strength to overcome trials and spiritual battles.

Jesus didn’t teach this prayer to be a rigid script but a model for how we come before God—with reverence, dependence, repentance, and trust. When we follow this example, our prayers become more than words; they become a way of life, shaping our hearts and drawing us deeper into communion with God.

Prayer:
Heavenly Father, thank You for teaching me how to pray. Help me to approach You with reverence, trust, and surrender. May my prayers align with Your will, and may my heart be softened by Your grace. Teach me to seek You daily and to trust in Your provision, forgiveness, and protection. May Your will, not mine, be done, Amen.