The Model For All Prayer

The model or form of all prayer, the inspiration for all praying, was given by Jesus to His disciples. If it can be taught, it is a skill that can be learned.

Whenever you pray, say: Father, Your name be honored as holy. Your kingdom come. Give us each day our daily bread. And forgive us our sins, for we ourselves also forgive everyone in debt to us. And do not bring us into temptation (Luke 11:2-4).

What a treasure our Lord Jesus gave us when His disciples asked Him to teach them to pray. Once you learn to pray there is nothing, absolutely nothing, sweater than knowing you have touched the hem of His garment in prayer. It’s healing! It’s renewing! It brings a quietness and a confidence that flows over your soul like the balm of Gilead. (Kay Arthur)

Thanks to Jesus, every single principle of prayer can be condensed into several simple sentences so we can remember them easily. The Lord’s Prayer is a collection of index sentences covering every element of prayer. When you follow principle by principle, you find yourself covering every possible aspect of prayer. Every requirement for prayer, every element of worship and praise, every perspective of intercession and petition is covered in this prayer model. It is the true pattern for all praying.

Our Father in heaven [Worship]. Your name is holy [Allegiance]. Your kingdom come [Submission]. Your will be done here as there [Petition and Intercession]. Give us today our daily bread [Stating Need]. Forgive us our sins and teach us to forgive also [Confession]. Lead us away from temptation [Deliverance]. Deliver us from the evil one [Protection]. Yours is the glory and honor and power and might both now and forever {Thanksgiving and Praise].

Do not be anxious about being clever or eloquent. By now you know there is nothing eloquent about my writing or my speech, yet God uses it. So relax. Let God give you insight. Then practice what you learn in prayer.

Keep your prayer simple, short, and to the point. God doesn’t hear better just because we pray longer.