Jesus said, "when you pray say…"
“Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.
Thy kingdom come.
Thy will be done, as in heaven, so in earth.
Give us day by day our daily bread.
And forgive us our sins; for we also forgive every one that is indebted to us.
And lead us not into temptation;
but deliver us from evil.”
(Luke 11:2-4 KJV)
The Lord’s Prayer is not a prayer to memorize and recite but rather an outline for how to construct prayer in general.
Here is a guide to praying the Lord’s Prayer:
SUBMISSION
1. Thy Name
“Our Father which art in Heaven”
Acknowledge the privilege of a father/child relationship with God
Acknowledge that He could have ignored us rather than adopting us
Acknowledge that He is in Heaven, and we are on Earth
“Hallowed be Thy Name”
Express adoration for the name that is above every name, Jesus
Express humility, bowing yourself before His name
Express celebration for the glory that Heaven deserves for providing the Cross
2. Thy Kingdom
“Thy Kingdom come”
Invite Heaven’s King–Jesus–to rule your life.
Invite His Kingdom–filled with healing, deliverance, and salvation–to be made manifest in your life.
3. Thy Will
“Thy Will be done”
Submit to God’s will, agenda, and purpose
Submit your dreams and visions to God’s desires for your life
Submit your family and relationships to God’s will
PETITION
1. Give Us
“Give us our Daily Bread”
Request provision spiritually – where do you need direction from God’s Word?
Request provision physically – where do you need strength or enhanced energy?
Request provision emotionally – where do you need to gain stability, joy, peace, and/or comfort in your emotions?
2. Forgive Us
“Forgive us our Trespasses, as we forgive Others”
Confess any sin that comes to mind – big or small – and seek forgiveness.
Confess and release offenses that you have been holding against others.
3. Lead Us Not
“Lead us not into Temptation”
Ask for the revelation of a life path that minimizes temptation.
Ask for clarity regarding the way to escape from any current temptation.
4. Deliver Us
“Deliver us from Evil”
Seek God’s deliverance from any current attack.
Seek God’s help in resisting the devil and gaining victory in every area of your life–including advancement in your calling and relationships.