So, He said to them, “When you pray, say:

Our Father in heaven,

Hallowed be Your name.

Your kingdom come.

Your will be done

On earth as it is in heaven.

Give us day by day our daily bread.

And forgive us our sins,

For we also forgive everyone indebted to us.

And do not lead us into temptation,

But deliver us from the evil one” (Lk 11: 2-4).

In the Gospel reading from Luke 11, Jesus answered His disciples’ request for instruction on prayer by giving them a model we call “the Lord’s Prayer.” The Lord’s Prayer links us to all the great figures in Christian history up to the present day. Prayer was Jesus’ custom ‘as He was praying in a certain place.’ Jesus’ disciples, watching Him pray, got inspired to learn how to pray like Him, especially in Jesus’ relationship with God the Father.

Jesus never taught His disciples how to preach, only how to pray. In essence, using the words of Murray, M, “To know how to speak to God is more than knowing how to speak to man. Not power with men, but power with God is the first thing.” Jesus’ prayer pattern is not about mastering a specific technique; hence, the disciples’ request was not to learn how to pray, but to pray, “praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints” (Eph 6:18).

Jesus’ prayer pattern is about acknowledging God’s holiness, asking for His kingdom to come, requesting daily bread, forgiveness, and guidance away from temptation. Hallowed be Your name: Hallowed means set apart. The model prayer shows us passion for God’s glory and agenda, ‘Hallowed be Your name. Your kingdom come. Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.’ Jesus’ pattern of prayer is about having God’s name, kingdom and will as the top priority—Jesus’ pattern of prayer orders us to put God’s holy name first. Putting God first means prioritising God in one’s life, making Him the most important influence in thoughts, actions, and decisions. It involves seeking His holy will, aligning one’s life with His teachings, and making Him the centre of one’s affections. This often involves making conscious choices to honour God in all aspects of life, from personal relationships to career choices.

Jesus’ prayer pattern summons us to strive to always do God’s will in all things and at all times. Jesus’ prayer pattern is about living one’s life by divine principles and commands, often as revealed in the scripture. God wants us to do His will always. He not only gave us His ONLY begotten Son, Jesus Christ (Jn 3:16), but He also gave us “the ten no-nos,” the Ten commandments, or rules, to follow so we can live holy and happier lives (Exd. 20). Jesus’ prayer pattern involves aligning our actions, intentions, and overall life direction with what is believed to be God’s desires and purpose. This often includes acts of obedience, righteousness, and fulfilling one’s spiritual obligations. 

Jesus’ prayer pattern is strengthened by spiritual food, or we will fall. To be strengthened by spiritual food” means to be nourished and invigorated in one’s inner life through engagement with spiritual practices and teachings, particularly those related to faith and belief. It implies a process of growth and maturity in one’s relationship with God, relying on divine truth, grace, and the Holy Spirit. This nourishment is comparable to physical food, which sustains the body. Sources of spiritual food are: God’s Word: The Bible is described as spiritual food, providing wisdom, guidance, and a deeper understanding of God’s nature and will; Jesus Christ: Jesus is referred to as the “bread of life,” highlighting his role as the ultimate source of spiritual nourishment; The Holy Spirit: The Holy Spirit guides, teaches, and empowers believers, playing a vital role in their spiritual growth; Prayer: Communicating with God through prayer is a source of spiritual strength and connection; Fellowship with other believers: Sharing experiences and encouraging one another within a faith community provides spiritual support and nourishment.

Jesus’ prayer pattern invites us to be agents of forgiveness. Jesus spoke about forgiveness as a central aspect of His teaching and ministry, not optional but a fundamental part of Christian faith and practice. As forgiven sinners, we are debtors to Jesus Christ. Forgiveness is not just a choice but a ministry, a condition, and a command for a genuine Christian life that invites us to forgive others, “If you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you” (Matt. 6:12,14). Extending forgiveness to others is a part of Christian mission and evangelism. John 20:23 states, “If you forgive anyone’s sins, their sins are forgiven; if you do not forgive them, they are not forgiven.” 

Forgiveness involves an intentional decision to let go of resentment and anger. The word of God says, “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Rom 6:23). Human beings are destined to eternal death because of our sins. Therefore, we need the forgiveness of sins. Without receiving the forgiveness of our sins from Jesus Christ, we cannot be agents of forgiveness to others, and we cannot avoid the punishment of eternal death.

As agents of forgiveness, we tell and pray for others to accept the forgiveness available to them in Jesus Christ. Forgiveness is good for our emotional and mental well-being, healing of homes, and healing of the world. The greater the offence and the wound, the greater the forgiveness needed. Forgiveness is a process. Martin Luther said, “Forgiveness is not an occasional act; it is a permanent attitude.” Unforgiveness is a satanic weapon of mass destruction, especially in marriage, the church, and politics.

Satan’s kingdom is real.  The temptations we face originate in Satan, not God. Ephesians 6:12 identifies the real enemy of believers as spiritual forces, rather than people. Apostle Paul later explains how spiritual forces and darkness must be fought with the spiritual tools God gives believers. Jesus’ prayer pattern empowers us to withstand the elements of the dark powers and spiritual forces.

God does not tempt anyone to sin. The phrase “lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil” points to a plea for protection against evil and negative influences. Jesus’ prayer pattern is a form of prayer for God’s ongoing, much-needed guidance and protection. Jesus’ prayer pattern recognises human weakness, hence, a plea for divine assistance in navigating the challenges of life and resisting temptation. Jesus’ prayer pattern is a request to God to guide believers away from harmful influences and to strengthen us in our faith journey and development. Jesus’ prayer pattern, when combined with other spiritual practices like putting on the “full armour of God” and engaging in spiritual warfare through prayer, is a powerful tool against the power of spiritual forces and darkness. Join me to prayerfully sing the hymn:

1. PRAY, without ceasing pray,

Your Captain gives the word.

His summons cheerfully obeys,

And call upon the Lord:

To God your every want

In instant prayer display;

Pray always; pray, and never faint;

Pray, without ceasing pray

2. In fellowship, alone,

To God with faith draw near,

Approach His courts,

Besiege His throne

With all the powers of prayer:

Go to His temple, go,

Nor from His altar move.

Let every house His worship know,

And every heart His love.

3. Pour out your souls to God,

And bow them with your knees,

And spread your hearts and hands abroad,

And pray for Zion’s peace.

Your guides and brethren Bear.  

For ever oil your mind;

Extend the arms of mighty prayer,

In grasping all mankind.

4. From strength to strength go on,

Wrestle, and fight, and pray,

Tread all the powers of darkness down,

And win the well-fought day;

Still let the Spirit cry

In all His soldiers: Come!

Till Christ the Lord descend from high,

And take the conquerors home.