"In this manner, therefore, pray: Our Father in heaven, Hallowed be Your name. Your kingdom come. Your will be done On earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, As we forgive our debtors. And do not lead us into temptation, But deliver us from the evil one. For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen." -Matthew 6:9-13
What does this command require?
Pray following this example.
What truths do we learn from this command?
It is important how we pray. Jesus has given us an example to follow. I do not believe that we must repeat this prayer every Sunday or every morning--that would contradict what Jesus just said about not praying like the heathens that use vain repetitions when they pray. Rather, Jesus wants us to use this as a pattern for how we ought to pray. He has given us the outline, and we are to fill it in with our praises, thanksgiving, requests, and supplications.
A quick perusal of this model prayer will show you that there is some invaluable truth here. God is our Father, He is in heaven. His name is hallowed. He has a kingdom. His will is being completed in heaven. He is the source of daily sustenance. He is the Forgiver of sins. He can help keep us from temptation. He can deliver us from the evil one. There is so much here! When was the last time you prayed like this? Start today, following Christ's command and model of how to pray.
What are the consequences for disobeying this command?
Inconsistent prayer life. Failure to pray for the will of God to be done on earth. failure to confess sins. selfish prayers.
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