The Lord’s Prayer is a biblical treasure we may take for granted because of its familiarity. We often recite it by rote, rather than pray it. When Jesus was teaching His disciples how to pray each line highlights relationships of prayer: child to Father, worshiper to holy God, subject to King in his throne room, servant to Master, beggar to Provider, sinner to Savior, follower to Guide, dependent one to Protector, and subject to Sovereign Glory. This prayer reflects intimacy in family relationship, reverence for the Name above all names, submission to the sovereignty and will of the King, total dependence and reliance on the Giver of every good gift, cleansing from sin by our Redeemer, victory over temptation and ultimate triumph over the evil one by our Deliverer, and the power and glory of our eternal Lord of lords.
It covers every aspect of life: relationship with God, with others, and to the forces of spiritual warfare that oppose us each day. Jesus was in perfect communion with His Father and through this prayer He is inviting us to open our hearts to His.
Pray the Lord’s Prayer afresh for yourself, as if for the first time, savoring every phrase and opening yourself to every word. Like this:
Our Father: Abba, I belong to You. You are my Abba Father. That’s the truth from which I live and breathe today.
Who is in heaven: You are the I AM, the same yesterday, today, and every day. All Your promises are now, Yes and Amen.
Hallowed be Your name: Show Yourself holy this day of my life in my thoughts, motives, conversations, and actions toward others. Let me not disgrace Your holiness. By Your wonderful names, show me that You are the peace that I need, the victory I want, the guiding security I long to feel, the Daystar in dark times.
Your kingdom come: Reign in my life as You rule heaven. Come as King in righteousness, joy, and peace in the Holy Spirit.
Your will be done on earth: Be done, will of God, for Jesus lives in me delighting to do Your will. In my heart and my tasks, do Your will as it is perfectly done in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread: Let me remember who puts the food on my table and gives me the breath I breathe. You are my moment-by-moment strength for each step I take.
Forgive me my sins as I forgive those who sin against me: Thank you for your endless grace that forgives me. You are my Savior. I want to tear up the IOUs I am holding because of wrongs against me. I want to keep short accounts, holding no offenses and no unforgiveness.
Lead me not into temptation: I don’t want to act out of my weakness or wounded flesh, which is no excuse, just a plea for more of Your grace. Where sin and the need for healing abound, Your grace much more abounds. You are my Protector.
Deliver me from evil: Protect me from physical and spiritual harm, because greater are You in me than my adversary who is in the world. You are my Deliverer.
Yours is the kingdom, the power and the glory: I bow to Your sovereign control. You have all power and all ability to do all things well, and I want Your glory to take the credit for every answer. Amen.
Based on “Personally Praying the Lord’s Prayer,” Prayer Essentials for Living in His Presence, Vol 2, page 31-33. © 2000 by Sylvia Gunter. Available at www.thefathersbusiness.com.
An archive of past devotionals is available on the website.
