This, then, is how you should pray …
Summary: People “should” take a daily vitamin but not everyone does. We don’t die right away if we choose not to take one but there might be consequences. The Lord’s Prayer is the same. If we don’t use it, there could be consequences.
So where should we go from here?
We’ve taken a good look at the person who told us that this is the way we should pray. Jesus has the highest and most impressive credentials of any person who ever walked the earth. We should listen to him and do what he says. Not just on this prayer, but everything he says. (Of course, he uses parables a lot…)
We have also taken a brief look at the structure of the prayer. The first half honors God. We acknowledge he is our Father; we acknowledge the existence of heaven, and we acknowledge his kingdom and his sovereignty. The second half acknowledges our need for God. We acknowledge that our physical needs can only be met by God. We confess that we need his forgiveness. We admit that we need God to lead us through life.
What else is there to talk about?
As it turns out, there is quite a bit left to discuss. One of the things I would like to get out of the way is what Jesus means by telling us we “should” pray this way. Does that mean we shouldn’t pray other ways?
The answer, unfortunately, is not clear. Greek texts do not have an equivalent for “should.” The English language draws a distinction between “should,” meaning that something is strongly recommended, and “shall” or “must” meaning something is required. The various English translations say things like “Pray then like this” (RSV) or “After this manner therefore pray ye” (KJV).
At the same time, Scripture acknowledges other ways to pray. Paul, writing to the church at Ephesus, says, “And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests.” (Ephesians 6:18)
There is a reason Jesus tells us to pray a certain way. He doesn’t explain his reasoning, but he is very direct about what we are to do. Personally, I do not see any indication in the Greek that Jesus intended this to be the only prayer we ever use. On the other hand, Jesus wants us to use this prayer. How often you pray this prayer is up to you. How you pray this prayer is between you and the Father. If we don’t pray it, that too is between us and our Father.
Application: Spend time with this prayer. Pray it today.
Food for Thought: What reasons might have motivated Jesus to give us this prayer?
The disciples asked Him to teach them how to pray,..may not be the motivating factor, but He does say ask and you shall receive. The disciples asked and received. So shall we.
John,
I love your insight here! Question asked and answered! So true! 🙂
The Lord’s prayer appears in Luke 11, and in Matthew 6. What resonates with me about the two is that in Luke, Jesus was already praying, and the Disciples ask Jesus to teach them. They could see the effectiveness and power in Jesus’s prayer. Jesus’s instruction was very simple, something that anyone can understand (from little kids to adult kids). Not a formula, but rather “these are the things you should have on your heart, especially when you come before God.” In Matthew, the prayer instruction comes with a bit of a warning;: you can’t fool God. Your prayers are not for public display, but are rather intimate between you and God.
I think in both occurrences, the motivation is the same: humble yourself and earnestly seek the Lord’s Will.
Well said, Chris.
It would have been interesting to be with Jesus when he prayed, yet in accordance with his own words it sounds like he usually was off by himself when he was praying.
John and Chris got it!
10-18-2022, Matthew 6:9, What reasons might have motivated Jesus to give us this prayer?
As has been said, one of them asked.
In Luke 11:1-4, Jesus teaches the Lord’s Prayer to His disciples when one of them asks, “Lord, teach us to pray.”The disciples wanted to know how God wanted them to pray, so Jesus gave them a good example. Today, we call that prayer the Lord’s Prayer, because the Lord Jesus prayed it.
The One and only incarnate Son of God, found it absolutely necessary to pray. This fact should be enough to motivate His people to pray. Fellowship with the Lord in prayer is an absolute necessity if we are to be sustained in life and ministry over the long haul. This is true whether we minister as pastors, in secular workplaces, or in our homes.
Our Bible tells us, we are not to be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let our requests be made known to God. We ask in confidence that we have toward him, that if we ask anything according to his will he hears us. We are told to confess our sins to one another and pray for one another.
Philippians 4:6, 1 John 5:14, James 5:16
Ron
I like that you mention that we are “not to be anxious about anything.” What better way to avoid anxiety than being in constant contact with our Maker?