THE LORD’S PRAYER (Matthew 6:9–13, NIV)
“This, then, is how you should pray”
1. Relationship
“Our Father in heaven”
Focus on your relationship with God, your Heavenly Father
- Affirm your special relationship with our heavenly Father through Jesus Christ.
- Thank God for how He has demonstrated His love and goodness to you lately.
See how very much our Father loves us, for he calls us his children, and that is what we are! (1 John 3:1, NLT)
How is God demonstrating his loving care for you?
Father God, give me a deeper appreciation of your goodness to me and a deeper understanding of who I am in Christ. Increase my love for you as I live in your loving presence.
2. Worship
“hallowed be your name”
Focus on worshiping God, your Almighty Creator
- Affirm the magnificent attributes and names of our Almighty God.
- Worship God by singing praises to Him.
“You alone are the Lord. You made the heavens, even the highest heavens, along with all their multitude of stars, the earth and all that is on it, the seas and all that is in them. You impart life to them all, and the multitudes of heaven worship you.” (Nehemiah 9:6)
Where are you noticing the magnificence of God’s design and handiwork?
Father God, open my eyes so I will see your greatness and majesty. Open my heart so I will give you the worship you so deserve.
3. Dedication
“your kingdom come”
Focus on rededicating yourself to God, your Sovereign Ruler
- Affirm that God is sovereignly fulfilling His purposes for you and all mankind.
- Rededicate yourself, your family, and all you possess to God for faithful service.
“O Lord, you are great, mighty, majestic, magnificent, glorious, and sovereign over all the sky and earth! You, Lord, have dominion and exalt yourself as the ruler of all. You are the source of wealth and honor; you rule over all. You possess strength and might to magnify and give strength to all. Now, our God, we give thanks to you and praise your majestic name!” (1 Chronicles 29:11–13)
How are you seeing God control the circumstances of life?
Father God, I pledge my allegiance to your sovereign rule and once again present myself to you as a living sacrifice.
4. Guidance
“your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.”
Focus on asking for direction from God, the Gracious Revealer
- Admit your need for God’s direction.
- Ask God for wisdom in your decision-making today.
“But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all truth.” (John 16:13)
What new insights of truth is God giving you about himself, life, or your situation?
Father God, help me discern and follow your perfect plan for the fulfillment of my life mission, my roles and my responsibilities.
5. Provision
“Give us today our daily bread.”
Focus on asking for what you need from God, your Faithful Sustainer
- Admit your need for God’s provision.
- Ask God to provide the resources you need today.
The Son is the radiance of his glory and the representation of his essence, and he sustains all things by his powerful word. (Hebrews 1:3)
How is God faithfully sustaining you and the rest of his creation?
Father God, I depend on you for what I need to fulfill your plan for me.
6. Forgiveness
“And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors.”
Focus on asking for forgiveness from God, your Righteous Judge
- Admit any unconfessed acts of disobedience to God.
- Repent before God and resolve to walk in obedience with God’s help.
“I, the Lord, probe into people’s minds. I examine people’s hearts. I deal with each person according to how he has behaved. I give them what they deserve based on what they have done.” (Jeremiah 17:10)
How is God making you aware of his holiness and justice?
Father God, I am sorry for how I have sinned against you and others. Thank you for your forgiveness. Help me to also forgive those who have hurt me.
7. Deliverance
“And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.”
Focus on asking for protection from God, your Merciful Deliverer
- Admit your need for God’s protection from the evil one.
- Put on the armor of God and resolve to stand against the devil’s schemes with God’s help.
“Pray to me when you are in trouble! I will deliver you, and you will honor me!” (Psalm 50:15)
How did God intervene to get you out of a bad predicament?
Father God, help me avoid tempting situations. Give me strength to withstand temptation when I am tested. And protect me from the influences, schemes and assaults of the evil one.
8. Intercession
Focus on the needs of others
- Consider which of the preceding prayer topics is most relevant to the person.
- Pray to God about that person’s needs.
“Far be it from me to sin against the Lord by ceasing to pray for you!” (1 Samuel 12:23)
Who should I talk to God about to ask for his intervention in their life? Father God, increase my concern for the physical and spiritual needs of others and increase my commitment to their well-being. Show me how to faithfully pray for them so they will discover your best for all eternity.