What Jesus Did! 'Model Prayer' — Matthew 6:9-13

Thursday, March 11, 2021

[Jesus continued:] "Pray like this:

"Our Father in heaven,
may your name be kept holy.
May your Kingdom come soon.
May your will be done on earth,
as it is in heaven.
Give us today the food we need,
and forgive us our sins,
as we have forgiven those who sin against us.
And don't let us yield to temptation,
but rescue us from the evil one."

— Matthew 6:9-13 NLT

Key Thought

Much has been written about Jesus' model prayer. Rather than something to be blindly recited, this is a short guide for disciples on how to pray. The prayer easily divides into two parts: First, we recognize the inestimable greatness of God, and then second, we recognize our dependency on him. As the previous verses indicate (Matthew 6:6, 8), God is our Father, whom we can approach freely as Father, while at the same time revering his holiness. The first three petitions ask God to accomplish his ultimate will in our world and reveal his holy purposes to all people. The second three acknowledge our need for sustenance, forgiveness, and strength to face the rigors of daily spiritual and physical life. Bottom line: Prayer doesn't need to be eloquent but reverent of God, penitent before God, and dependent on God while approaching him with confidence as his children.

Today's Prayer

Holy and tender Father, I pray that you exert your power in our world and work your will in irrefutable and glorious ways. I trust you to fill my daily needs as I depend on your mercy and grace to forgive me and empower me to forgive. May my life be used in your service to accomplish your will. In the name of Jesus, I pray. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

  • Isaiah 63:16
  • Isaiah 64:8
  • 1 Peter 1:17

Comments

Other Devotionals from Heartlight for Thursday, March 11, 2021

A Year with Jesus
A devotional to help reclaim Jesus as the daily Lord of our lives.
'People Count Most!'
"Dear Disciple, I want you to see My example and hear My words in the verses below. They coalesce into one, simple, clear message: People count most! ..."
Today's Verse
A daily devotional featuring a Bible verse, thought and prayer.
Psalm 37:4
"Delight yourself in the LORD and he will give you the desires of your heart. "
Praying with Paul
Features the apostle Paul's writings turned into daily, powerful prayers.
'The Attitude of Christ' (1 Co. 1:10-13)
"Dear Father, to whom I owe full obedience, Let my attitude be the same as that of Christ Jesus, who made himself nothing and obeyed you, even in the...."
Quotemeal
A daily dose of Christian quotes to inspire and encourage.
Quote by Patrick Henry:
"This is all the inheritance I can give to my dear family. The religion of Christ can give them one which will make them rich indeed."

Illustration

Illustration of Matthew 6:9-13 NLT — "Pray like this: "

About This Devotional

What Jesus Did! is a series of one-year devotional guides through each gospel, using one short scripture passage each day and following the Gospel in sequential order. Each devotional consists of a scripture passage and a reflection and a prayer which open up the day's scripture and show how it challenges you to live for Jesus.

What Jesus Did! is written by Phil Ware and is available in book form.

Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

More What Jesus Did!