Home  /  Books  /  Videos  /  Financials  

The Sermon on the Mount

Matthew 5 - 7

Chapter 6

The Lord's Prayer

This is how you should pray:

What does this mean?

"This is how you should pray:"

• Explanation: Jesus introduces a model prayer, providing a structure and key elements that should be included in prayer. It serves as a guide for the disciples on how to approach God.

"Our Father in heaven, may Your name be kept holy."

The Lord has established his throne in the heavens, and his kingdom rules over all. ~ Psalm 103:19

You shall not misuse the name of the Lord your God, for the Lord will not leave unpunished anyone who misuses his name. ~ Exodus 20:7

• Explanation: The prayer begins by addressing God as "Our Father," signifying a personal and intimate relationship with Him. Recognizing God as holy means acknowledging His sacredness, reverence, and the need to honor His name in our lives.

"May Your kingdom come, and Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven."

And I, John, saw the holy city, the new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared like a bride beautifully dressed for her husband. ~ Revelation 21:2

For just as the rain and snow come down from the sky and do not return without watering the earth, making it sprout and flourish, giving seed to the sower and bread to the eater, so is my word that goes out from my mouth: it will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it. ~ Isaiah 55:10-11

• Explanation: This petition expresses a desire for God's kingdom to be established on earth and for His will to be accomplished here just as it is perfectly carried out in heaven. It reflects a submission to God's authority and a longing for His righteous rule.

"Give us today our daily bread."

There are two things I ask of you; don't refuse me before I die: Keep falsehood and lies far from me; give me neither poverty nor wealth, but provide me with my daily bread. Otherwise, I might have too much and disown you, saying, 'Who is the Lord?' Or I might become poor and steal, and dishonor the name of my God. ~ Proverbs 30:7-9

• Explanation: This request asks God to provide for our daily physical needs, acknowledging our dependence on Him for sustenance and provision. It encourages trust in God's continuous care and provision.

"And forgive us our sins, as we forgive those who sin against us."

For if you forgive others their sins, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins. ~ Matthew 5:14-15

• Explanation: Seeking God's forgiveness for our sins highlights the importance of repentance and the need for His grace. The second part emphasizes the necessity of forgiving others, as our willingness to forgive others is directly linked to receiving God's forgiveness.

"And lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil."

No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to humanity. But God is faithful; He will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, He will also provide a way out so that you can endure it. ~ 1 Corinthians 10:13

For I know the plans I have for you," says the Lord, "plans to give you peace and not harm, to give you a future and a hope. Jeremiah 29:11

• Explanation: This petition asks for God's guidance and protection from situations that could lead us to sin. It also requests deliverance from the influence and harm of evil forces, recognizing our need for God's help to overcome challenges and temptations.

"For Yours is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever. Amen."

They will speak of the glory of your kingdom and tell of your power, to make known to all people your mighty acts and the glorious splendor of your kingdom. Your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and your rule endures through all generations. ~ Psalm 145:11-13

Blessed be his glorious name forever; may the whole earth be filled with his glory. Amen and Amen. ~ Psalm 72:19

• Explanation: This doxology (a short hymn of praise) reaffirms God's supreme authority, power, and glory. It is a declaration of God's eternal sovereignty and a statement of faith in His ultimate control over all things.

"For if you forgive others their offenses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive others their offenses, your Father will not forgive your offenses."

• Explanation: Jesus emphasizes the critical importance of forgiveness. Our willingness to forgive others is a reflection of our understanding of and gratitude for God's forgiveness toward us. If we refuse to forgive others, it indicates a lack of genuine repentance and understanding of God's grace, thereby hindering our relationship with God.

Summary: