Bible Questions and Answers

The best pattern for praying is to be found in Matthew 6:9-13; Luke 11:2-4.

Our Father who art in heaven  hallowed be Thy Name - address God with respect and humility (for God is in heaven, and thou upon earth: therefore let thy words be few - Ecclesiastes 5:2)

Thy Kingdom come; Thy will be done in earth as it is in heaven - Pray for the fulfillment of God's purpose (Numbers 14:21)

Give us this day our daily bread - pray for your needs to be met not for wealth power or fame.

Forgive us our sins as we forgive others - Note how forgiveness for ourselves is dependent on how we treat others. God's grace does indeed come with "strings attached" but they are "strings" of love and kindness. As we judge others so shall we also be judged.

Lead us not into temptation (that is trial and difficulty - God does not tempt us to sin) but deliver us from evil - pray to be delivered from the trials and problems of life but remember when Jesus prayed to be delivered from the "trial" of the cross, the answer was "No."  His attitude is a pattern for us when he said in Gethsemane "Nevertheless, not my will but thine be done."

For Thine is the Kingdom, the power, and the glory forever and ever - We end our prayer as we began it, praising God for His goodness and for the hope of the Kingdom which He will set up when He sends His son back to the earth. We echo the words of John in Revelation 22:20 "Even so, come Lord Jesus!"

amen.  - The word means "Let it be so". It is our seal of belief, of  faith and commitment to these things.

Remember that the Lord's prayer is a pattern of prayer. It was never meant to be just repeated by rote.  Our prayer must spring sincerely from our hearts; only then will they be heard.

I hope you have found this helpful.

God bless,
Mike