As we continue our exploration of spiritual practices, we turn our attention to the Lord’s Prayer for the month of August.
“Lord, teach us to pray.” The request reverberated in the air as the disciples waited expectantly. What would he say? We’ve watched him calm storms, cast out demons, and feed 5000 people. Surely he has a direct connection to the Father. Maybe he can tell us how to make sure our prayers are heard!
I imagine Jesus taking a deep breath and smiling gently as he answers. “When you pray, say: ‘Our Father who is in heaven, hallowed be your name…’”
We are not told what the disciples thought of Jesus’ answer, but the fact that a version of this prayer is recorded in two of the Gospels, Matthew 6:9-13 and Luke 11:2-4, tells us something of its importance. Today, the Lord’s Prayer, sometimes called the Model Prayer, is prayed by millions of Christians around the world regularly, if not daily. Here at 2BC we pray this prayer together on the second Sunday of each month in our worship services.
Jesus packs a lot into this ten line prayer. Think about the scope for a moment. He begins by acknowledging God and God’s place. God is our Father in heaven and he is holy, set apart. Then, Jesus acknowledges and prays for God’s work to be accomplished in the world. And after all of that Jesus gets to the petitionary part- praying for daily needs, forgiveness, and deliverance. Thus, this prayer contains much for us to ponder and consider. So let’s listen and learn at the feet of Jesus as we pray the Lord’s Prayer this month.
The Practice: Praying The Lord’s Prayer Daily
This month we are going to pray the Lord’s Prayer each morning. Even if you usually spend time reading your Bible and praying later in your day, try this practice in the morning as you get your day going.
Take several deep breaths and settle into God’s presence. Then pray the Lord’s Prayer through slowly. If you have it memorized, pray the version you know by heart. Otherwise use the words below.
Connect your breathing with each phrase of the prayer. Inhale deeply as you pray, “Our Father.” Then, exhale slowly as you pray “who is in heaven,” and in again slowly on “hallowed be your name.” Continue in a similar manner through the rest of the prayer, breathing deeply and slowly.
As you journey through this month, let the words of this prayer wash over you. Truly consider each part of the prayer. What does each line mean? For instance, what does it mean to ask God for his kingdom to come? What does the Lord’s Prayer prompt you to ask? How do these words move you or impact you? How do you see God answering this prayer in the world around you? Be sure to record your thoughts and experiences with this prayer in your journal.
The Lord’s Prayer
Our Father who is in heaven
hallowed be your name,
your Kingdom come,
your will be done,
on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us today our daily bread
and forgive us our debts,
as we also have forgiven our debtors.
Lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil.
For yours is the kingdom and the power
and the glory forever, AMEN.
