Ask Your Preacher - Archives

Ask Your Preacher - Archives

“The Lord's Prayer”

Categories: PRAYER, WORSHIP
What is the correct way to pray?

Sincerely,
On Bended Knee

Dear On Bended Knee,

Jesus’ followers asked Him that very question (Lk 11:1).  His response was what is commonly referred to as “The Lord’s Prayer” (Lk 11:2-4).  We are not expected to match that prayer word-for-word, but it is a model off of which we can base all of our prayers.  The prayer started off with reverence for God (Heb 12:28) and humility of spirit (Dan 10:12).  Jesus’ prayer also included thanks for the things that God had given Him.  It is always good to make sure that our prayers include thanksgiving (Php 4:6).  After that, He prayed for His physical needs (like daily bread).  God wants us to ask Him for help in this life (Lk 18:1-7).  The model prayer also included a request for forgiveness of sins and a commitment to serve Him faithfully.  God tells us that He will forgive us if we ask (1 Jn 1:9).  Last, but not least, the prayer includes the words “Thy will be done”… everything we do and ask for must be subject to God’s will (Jas 4:13-15).  Those are the basic instructions that Christ gave on prayer.