Matthew 6:9-13

Jesus used what we commonly call The Lord’s Prayer as a pattern for prayer.  Since He spoke against vain repetitions (v7) we do not believe the value of the prayer is found in repeating the prayer itself on a regular basis.  The value is not in the saying of the words themselves but rather in praying in a manner consistent with Jesus’ pattern.  Thus it behooves us to give careful consideration to each phrase that we might know how to pray.

Our Father in heaven

It is interesting that, having told us to find a secret place, Jesus yet tells us to pray Our.  Prayer is unselfish.  When we pray we are one of many.  But most of all we are united with Christ in prayer.  He too prayed to the Father (John 17:1) and He prayed that we might have this same inclusion with Him of praying to the Father (Jn. 17:20-21).  Jesus says this Father is Mine as well as yours.  What a wonderful thought: we go to the same One Jesus approached in prayer!

We pray to our Father.  This is consistently the teaching and practice of New Testament.  We do not pray to Jesus anymore than a child would seek his daily provision from his brother or sister.  The child goes to his father because he has the resources.  Study the prayers of the apostle Paul and you will see the same (e.g. Eph. 1:17; 3:14-18).  This is sound doctrine when one understands the Trinity.  The Father is the source of blessing; the Son the avenue of blessing; and the Spirit the guarantor of blessing.  To come to the Father with our requests indicates we are not just saying words but know the One to Whom we speak.

He is in heaven.  That is where God’s throne of grace is (Heb. 4:16); so we  draw upon the Creator of heaven and earth.  Heaven is where God is (Rev. 21:22); so we are in His presence.  Heaven is where our blessings are (Eph. 1:3); so in prayer we draw upon the rich inheritance laid up for us in Christ.

Hallowed be Your name

The rest of the prayer is a series of requests.

Hallowed means to render as holy, to see God as sacred or separated from what is common.  Consider these among many others …

·        Lev. 10:3: By those who come near me I must be regarded as holy.

·        Psa. 111:9: Holy and awesome is His name.

·        Isa. 6:3: Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of Hosts; the whole earth is full of His glory. (See also Rev. 4:8)

God’s name is representative of His nature.  So we are praying that in all things He would be seen and recognized as holy.  This is the first request because this is what prayer is about.  We are not out to change God’s mind about us but to bring us to Him.  Prayer must always begin, not with our request, but with putting God in His rightful place.  

Consider your pattern of prayer.  Is it centered around you or the Father?