Give us this day our daily bread. Matthew 6:11

Prayer

In Matthew 6:5-14 Jesus is teaching his disciples how to pray. We are instructed to not pray like the hypocrites who use vain repetitions and pray publicly with the intention to be seen. Jesus instructs his disciples to shut themselves away from the world and pray in secret. Private prayer is key to steady prayer life.

Worship

Jesus starts prayer with worship to His father. Our Father which art in heaven, hallowed be thy name (Matthew 6:9). God is our Father yet he is sacred and holy. Opening our prayers with honor to Him shows reverence for who He is.

God’s Will

We are to pray for God’s will as Jesus models: Thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven (Matthew 6:10). Jesus himself prayed in the garden that God would let the cup (of redemption) pass from Him if possible nevertheless God’s will be done (Matthew 26:39). God had a plan, in heaven, to bring salvation to the earth, so Jesus sacrificed himself to author salvation. Are we willing to surrender for God’s will to be done through us?

Daily Provisions

We can pray believing God for our daily spiritual and physical provisions. In the wilderness, Jesus reminds Satan that man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God (Matthew 4;4). We daily need God’s word to feed our hungry, needy souls.  God also promised to feed us with life-sustaining food. The Psalmist tells us that he has been young and is now old and that he has not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his seed begging bread (Psalm 37:25). God keeps his promises. He will provide.

Forgiveness

Daily forgiveness and forgiving others are essential for Christians. Jesus says to forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors (Matthew 6:12). Unforgiveness towards others withholds God’s forgiveness (Matthew 6:15). Nothing is worth that cost, no matter how horrendous the offense is against us. 

Temptations

Praying against temptation is advised. Jesus tells us to pray: lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil; (Matthew 13a). If Jesus recommends praying against temptation it is certainly wise to pray in this manner. Evil is present and destructive therefore we need God’s protection. 

Power and Glory Forever

God is due all glory and honor. Jesus instructs us to pray with heartfelt words to convey this recognition. For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever. Amen ( Matthew 6:13). End your prayers with reverence to all mighty God.

WORDS OF TRUTH

Pray without ceasing (I Thess. 2:17).

Give unto the LORD the glory due unto his name; worship the LORD in the beauty of holiness (Psalm 29:2).

Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: (Phil. 2:5).

But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus (Phil. 4:19). 

If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness (I John 1:9).

Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak (Matt. 26:41).  

That ye may with one mind and one mouth glorify God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ (Romans 15:6).