Matthew 6:9-13 shares how Jesus taught the disciples to pray. Amazed at seeing the power and compassion of Jesus’ prayers and how they were answered, the disciples realized they needed more in their prayer lives. They asked for instruction, and Jesus gave them the Lord’s Prayer. It is a prayer that can be recited as it was provided or as a format that can be followed. The outline below indicates what each stanza is addressing, including our relationship and respect, and submission to God’s guidance and merciful plans:
You have an Abba Father – “Our Father in Heaven”
The proper worship of God – Hallowed be Your Name”
Seeking God’s guidance – “Your Kingdom come”
Yielding to God’s plans – “Your will be done on Earth as it is in Heaven”
Your provision in Christ – “Give us today our daily bread”
Claiming freedom from sin and bondage – “Forgive us our debts”
Forgiving those who hurt you – “As we forgive our debtors”
Claiming your victory in Christ – “And do not lead us into temptation”
Claiming your protection in Christ – “But deliver us from the evil one”
Benediction – “For Yours is the kingdom, and the power and glory forever. Amen”
Over time, many instructions have been taught on how to pray, including the ACTS model. This method approaches prayer with Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, and Supplication (prayer requests) in that order. It is effective and covers some basic tenets in the Lord’s Prayer format, such as honoring God for Who He is, confessing our sins, and giving thanks for a relationship that allows us to bring our needs and desires before Him. It puts things in a significant spiritual order that places God first. This order acknowledges our need for our Redeemer King.
In group prayer, one of my favorite methods takes a Psalm that declares the attributes and character of God. The group takes turns praising the Lord for one or several of the characteristics mentioned. Next, the group takes turns confessing their sins that opposed the nature of God that the Psalmist revealed. Finally, the group will pray for each other’s prayer needs, strengthened by the reminder of how kind, merciful, mighty, and caring our Lord is. An example using Psalm 23 might go like this:
PRAISE - “Lord, I am grateful that You are like a shepherd to me, caring for me, giving me rest, and calming the waters around me so that I may drink the Living Water that refreshes my soul.”
CONFESSION - “Lord, I have been fearful in the dry, troubled places and forgotten You were with me there, too. I repent, Lord. Please cleanse me of fear and help me to lean into You.”
SUPPLICATION - “Jesus, I thank You that You are Jenna’s Good Shepherd, too, and are leading her through this harsh season in the dark valley. You are the light that guides her steps. Thank you for showing her how to go each day and comforting her with reminders of Your presence.”
No single way to pray is “correct.” As many ways to pray exist as there are needs and desires. Here’s a prayer tip from Bible Study teacher Jennifer Rothschild.1” In her study of Psalm 23. She prays, “Lord, clarify what my needs are so I can see how you meet them.” If you have meditated on a scripture that applies to your situation, overlay your words with His. And when you still don’t know what to say, pray, “Jesus.” He is waiting for you!
As adapted from THE BONDAGE BREAKER and STOMPING OUT THE DARKNESS by Dr. Neil T. Anderson and Dr. Dave Park
1. Acknowledgment for prayer quote given to Rothschild, Jennifer, Psalm 23, Lifeway Press, Brentwood, TN 2023
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