Jesus teaches his disciples how to pray through what is known as the Lord’s Prayer. It includes three petitions for God’s glory and three for our needs. It shows us how to approach God and how to live as his people. It begins by calling God, “Our Father in heaven.” God is not a distant, impersonal force, but a loving, caring, personal Father. He is in heaven, holy, powerful, and glorious. Therefore, his name is to be hallowed and honored by us. We hallow God’s name by living a life that glorifies him. We are also to pray for his kingdom to come and for his will to be done on earth as it is in heaven, expressing our desire for God’s righteous rule in our lives, families, communities, and the world.

Next, we ask for our daily needs, trusting in God’s faithful provision rather than being anxious about tomorrow. Forgiveness is essential to the Christian life. As we seek God’s forgiveness for our sins, we are also to forgive the sins of others. Forgiveness received should become forgiveness extended. Finally, we pray for God’s protection from evil. We are weak on our own, and God knows it. We need his merciful protection from sin, temptation, and the evil one. By living out the Lord’s Prayer, we can reshape our view of God, our desires, our relationships, and our daily walk.
Application: Lord, hallow your name; may your kingdom come, and your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.
One Word: Your kingdom come