The disciples wanted to honor God and to pray to Him in a right way and asked the Lord Jesus to tell them how. He told them these words:
“Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be Thy Name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done, as in heaven, so in earth. Give us day by day our daily bread. And forgive us our sins; for we also forgive every one that is indebted to us. And lead us not into temptation; but deliver us from evil.”
Perhaps you have said these words many times without thinking of the meaning; that cannot honor God. Jesus’ words taught them first that God is holy. His name is holy and must not be said carelessly but always with the greatest respect. But they were to pray to Him simply, speaking to Him as a loving Father who cared for them.
The disciples had been taught of the time of God’s rule or kingdom and then prayed for that time to come, when Christ will be honored and men will be obedient. But not long after these words were said, Jesus was refused as King and died as man’s Saviour.
So now those who believe Him, pray often for others to believe in Him now, before that time when all that is wrong will be punished. The people then, like the disciples, will have great trials, and will pray words like this prayer earnestly, as shown in the psalms and prophets.
Even now we are to trust God for our food and all we have. He can send storms, drought, or disease to spoil all. We also need to forgive any who have done us wrong, for we have many wrongs to be forgiven by God.
Real Words Reach a Listening Ear and Heart
Small boys and girls can thank God for His care and learn to pray. When older it is not the repeating of words, or “saying prayers” that pleases God, but telling Him what you feel in your heart.
Jesus said God will surely hear, and do for those who ask Him. He said, if a friend came in the night to ask for bread, because a traveler had come, even though it might be inconvenient, the bread would be given as needed. And God would not do less for those who ask Him to supply their need.
Jesus reminded them that one of them would not give his child a stone if he asked for bread, so God would give good gifts. He told them of the Holy Spirit to be given those who believe God, and told them that the Spirit would teach them all things, and they should ask God the Father in Jesus’ Name (John 16:13, 24).
So Jesus taught how simply but earnestly those who believe His words can pray and that God will provide for them. But they will not be praying just for what will please themselves, but for what will honor the Lord Jesus who has done so much for them.
What are the promises of Luke 11:9-10?
Further Meditation
1. How were the disciples to pray to the Lord?
2. Sometimes we doubt God’s goodness and feel we need to beg Him for good things. How does His Word assure us of His love and perfect power to supply all of our true need?
3. A more challenging pamphlet on this subject might be a help in studying it. Try The Lord’s Prayer by W. Kelly.