The Lord’s Prayer Outline – Part One

Outlines are like blueprints.  You can’t live in a blueprint.  You must build it.

Text for Today – Matthew 6:9 – After this manner therefor pray ye . . .

I am sure that the number of times we annually recite what has been called the Lord’s Prayer is phenomenal.  However, the truth of the matter is this; what we have traditionally called the Lord’s Prayer is NOT the Lord’s Prayer.  His prayer, if we would identify one as His is found in John 17, and what a prayer it is!  But our focus is what has been traditionally known as the Lord’s Prayer.  In actuality, it is really His outline of prayer, that if followed, will build a wonderfully effective prayer life for the believer.  Let’s look at it.

“OUR FATHER” – Two observations stand out in these first two words.  For prayer to work, there MUST be a Father/child relationship between the pray-er and the Father to Whom we pray.  Secondly, note the word “OUR.”  Jesus did not say, “My Father,” but “OUR FATHER.”  The point is, selfish prayers don’t get answered.  No, I am not saying God doesn’t want you to have your wants; only that if your wants are for selfish, personal consumption, and will not be  used in some way to bless others, that such selfish praying for things that will be “consumed upon your own lusts” will not be answered.

“WHICH ARE IN HEAVEN” – We must realize when we are praying, Who it is to Whom we come.  His status is that of Jehovah, the God of ages, exalted in the heavens.  His throne is exalted above all gods.  Angels bow before Him continually.  He is the Creator of heaven and earth, and all that is in them.  He ways and thoughts are higher than our ways and thoughts.  He is exalted above all the earth, and in that exalted place and position, He reigns supreme through the Lord Jesus Christ Who has been given all power in heaven and earth, and He holds the keys of death and hell.  His exalted position puts Hm over all, and there, as Eternal God, He is worthy of all honor, glory, worship, praise, and thanks.  His position in heaven settles His unique perspective as our loving heavenly Father to Whom we should doffer continual praise.  Truly, He is our exalted Father God Who is seated upon His Own heavenly throne.

Manna for Today – Matthew 6:9-13; Mark 11:22-24; Luke 11:13