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By Freda Reynolds

The sermon on the mount in Matthew is one of Jesus’ best-known discourses. It is in chapter 6 of Matthew that Jesus gives his disciples a model for praying. Matthew 6:9-13, “our Father who is in heaven.” 

This prayer teaches us the basics. In this simple prayer, we find a guideline for how to pray. 

First, Our Father who is in heaven. We acknowledge that there is one God who reigns sovereignly. We come to honor his name. The name above all names.” (Philippians 2:9) 

“Your kingdom come on earth as it is in heaven” Our mission here and now is to build God’s kingdom. The last command Jesus gave was to “go into all the world.” (Matthew 28:19-20) 

Second, we express our total life dependance on Him. “Give us this day our daily bread” Jesus is the “bread of life” (John 6:35) “I am the living bread which came down from heaven.” 

Then, don’t forget to ask for forgiveness for our human weakness. “Forgive us our trespasses… as we forgive those who trespass against us, forgive others as the Lord has forgiven you.” (Ephesians 4:31-32) 

Also, remember we have an enemy. “Lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil.” Each day we are to put on the armor of God found in Ephesians 6:10-20, “Put on the full armor of God so that you can take a stand against the devil’s schemes.” 

Some manuscripts leave out “For your is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever.” I leave it in when I pray this prayer. It seems only fitting to open the prayer with honor of His name and close with the benediction that His kingdom’s power and glory reigns forever.” Amen. 

My encouragement for the week, pray the Lord’s prayer each day. Meditating on each part. You will be blessed.