Jesus gives his disciples a model prayer specific for their ministry. There are three sections or parts to this prayer.
- Matthew 6:9 is a prayer for due honor to the Father (first request).
- Matthew 6:10 is a prayer that the Messianic kingdom will come soon (second requests).
- Matthew 6:11-13 is prayer for the disciples themselves as they proclaim the Messianic kingdom (third requests).
According to Warren Wiersbe, Something Happens When Churches Pray, W. Wiersbe, p.118, we have three essentials for effective praying.
- First there is relationship: “Our Father, who art in heaven” (Matt 6.9).
- Then there is responsibility: “Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done” (Matt 6.9,10).
- Finally, there are requests: “Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil” (Matt 6.11–13).”
A quick glance at Matthew 6:9
Matthew 6:9 is a prayer for due honor to the Father (first request).
- God is the heavenly Father of Jesus’ disciples and of every believer.
- God the Father’s seat of glory, authority, and power is in the third heaven.
- God the Father always possesses the highest glory, authority, and power. He deserves the highest honor and praise from man and angels. He will in the future demonstrate to all creation his right to receive all glory, honor, and praise.
- So what for us?
- Do we understand the character of our heavenly Father—what he is really like?
- Do we pray to our heavenly Father?
- Do we honor our heavenly Father by what we think and what we say and what we do?
A quick glance at Matthew 6:10
Matthew 6:10 is a prayer that the Messianic kingdom will come soon (second requests).
- The disciples were to pray that the kingdom promised through the prophets would finally come into existence on earth. Therefore, preach and pray for faith acceptance of the Messiah, which must happen before Messiah takes his throne.
- They were also to pray that God’s will be done, not only in heaven but on earth as well. This requires God’s king to rule on earth, and then biblical thinking and lifestyle become the normal thinking and lifestyle.
- So what for us?
- Tell people the good news about Jesus Christ.
- Learn and live Bible doctrine.
- Pray that Jesus will come for the church soon.
A quick glance at Matthew 6:11-13
Matthew 6:11-13 is prayer for the disciples themselves as they proclaim the Messianic kingdom (third requests).
- The disciples were to pray for day to day food.
- They were also to pray for forgiveness, but must forgive others also.
- They were to pray that God would keep them from areas of temptation that would be too strong for them and they might fail and sin.
- So what for us?
- Pray for daily provision of food while in ministry.
- Forgive others and have good relations with believers.
- Pray for guidance so as not to get into areas where temptation to sin is strong and when near temptation pray for deliverance from failure.
- Some final applications from the Disciples prayer
- Address our heavenly father in a reverent manner.
- Recognize and ascribe to him praise.
- Pray that the Father’s plan for Israel—the promised kingdom will soon be realized and with it pray that God’s will shall be done on earth.
- Pray for physical sustenance while serving God.
- Forgive other believers and seek God’s family forgiveness when needed by confession of personal sins.
Quick Glance and Summary (PPT Slide)
- Matthew 6.9, prayer for due honor to the Father (worship). So what? Understand Father’s character. Honor him with our lives and our prayer?
- Matthew 6.10, prayer that the Messianic Kingdom will come soon (future). So what? Tell people the good news. Apply God’s word consistently. Pray that Jesus will come soon.
- Matthew 6.11-13, prayer for the disciples themselves as they proclaim the Messianic Kingdom (ministers’ needs). So what? Pray for daily provision while serving. Forgive others. Pray for guidance away from temptation.