In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus provides a model prayer (Matthew 6:9-13). This prayer is not intended to be a mere rote or liturgical recitation, but serves as a profound model for how Jesus taught His disciples to pray. The New King James Version quotes Jesus as saying, “In this manner, therefore pray.” It is essential to grasp the significance of Jesus’ instructions to His disciples in prayer, as there are fundamental aspects we sometimes overlook when teaching others. I hope this reading will be helpful for those who take the time to consider how Jesus desires us to pray.
One key point to note is that Jesus emphasizes addressing God the Father. In verse 9, Jesus instructs us to pray, “Our Father in heaven.” The Father to whom we pray is truly God, the Creator of all things and the God revealed in the Bible, who sent His Son, Jesus, to die for the sins of humanity. Together with the Son and the Holy Spirit, He is the one true God (Genesis 1:1; Romans 5:8; John 17:3). Therefore, when we approach God, we must express reverence, as Jesus indicates in the same verse: “Hallowed be your name.” While this may seem simple, some approach God frivolously and fail to express genuine reverence. In prayer, we are approaching the throne of the God who created everything, and our approach should be holy (Leviticus 10:3; Hebrews 12:28-29).
Furthermore, Jesus teaches us to include supplications in our prayers. Supplications are entreaties or requests made known to God. In verse 10, we are encouraged to pray, “Your Kingdom come.” Some may argue that Jesus’ Kingdom has already been established, and therefore we no longer need to pray this way. However, this statement speaks to our desire for God’s purposes to be accomplished in our lives, as the verse continues: “Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.” Might we also pray that God’s rule reign in the hearts of others?
Verse 11 addresses our physical needs, instructing us to pray, “Give us this day our daily bread.” God cares about our physical needs, but even more importantly, He is concerned with our spiritual needs (Matthew 6:33). In verse 12, we read, “Forgive us our debts as we forgive our debtors.” This goes beyond material or financial debt; it addresses our utmost of spiritual needs (Cf. Luke 11:3-4). Jesus also says that forgiveness from God for our sins, is closely linked to our willingness to forgive others (Matthew 6:14-15; Ephesians 4:30-32). And a forgiving spirit toward others, becomes easier, when we are mindful of their own spiritual needs!
Additionally, Jesus teaches us to seek God’s guidance and help in our struggle against sin, and even Satan himself. In verse 13, He says, “Do not lead us into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.” Acknowledging God’s sovereign rule is also part of this teaching, as the verse concludes with praise: “For Yours is the Kingdom and the power and glory forever. Amen.”
To summarize, when we pray, we should:
– Address God the Father
– Express reverence toward Him
– Include supplications that appeal to God’s purposes in our lives
– Make requests for our physical & spiritual needs, as well as for the spiritual needs of others
– Seek guidance and help in our struggle(s) against sin
– Conclude with praise for God
Moreover, Jesus taught that prayer need not be complicated for God to hear and respond (Matt. 6:7–8). He also emphasized the importance of persistence in prayer, reminding us not to become discouraged when an answer does not come immediately (Matthew 7:7-8; 15:21-28; Luke 11:5-10). This kind of steadfastness is an area in which we can all continue to grow.
As we approach God, it’s important to remember that Jesus gave the prayer in Matthew 6 as a model for our own prayers. While Scripture offers many faithful examples of prayer, this particular teaching provides a clear framework for approaching God with the right priorities. Notably, the focus of this model prayer is not primarily on physical concerns, but on spiritual matters and our relationship with God. It serves as a reminder that our prayers should ultimately reflect a heart that seeks God, His will, and His kingdom above all else.
We Wish to See Jesus 