Mini Studies
Christ's Example Prayer
The sacrifice of” the wicket is an abomination to the Lord:
but the Prayer of the upright is His delight.
Proverbs 18:8
The gospel of Luke records a moment in the life of the Messiah when one of His disciples approached Him and asked that his Lord teach him to pray (Lk.11:1-13). Jesus responded to this request by providing a model which would serve as an outline whenever His followers would bring their petitions before God the Father in heaven. It addresses a variety of issues beginning with an appeal to God to restore His government to this earth (vs. 2).
This model prayer is often referred to as “The Lord’s Prayer.” However, this term may be somewhat misleading. The actual “Lord’s Prayer” is recorded in John 17. Additionally, many also falsely believe that Christians should recite the exact words Jesus gave as a model when praying. However, once again this is NOT true. Such a practice actually goes contrary to Jesus’ own words and constitutes what the scriptures refer to as “vain repetitions.” Furthermore, this practice is actually forbidden in God’s word (Mt. 6:7).
The Mini Study that follows examines the model prayer Jesus provided and offers some insights into its scope.
1. "Our Father"
We are God’s children (Rom. 3; 8:15; 9:4; Gal. 4:4-7; Eph. 1:5)
2. "Which art in heaven"
God lives in the north (Isa. 14:13)
God’s throne (Rev. 4)
3. "Hallowed be Thy name"
Holy and reverend (Psa. 111:9)
God’s name is excellent (Psa 8:9)
David sang praises to God’s name (Psa. 9:2)
Some of God’s names:
- Yhvh Jireh: God my Provider (Gen. 22:14)
- Yhvh Ropheka: God my Healer (Ex. 15:26)
- Yhvh Nissi: God my Banner (Ex. 17:15)
- Yhvh Mekaddishkem: God that sanctifies (Ex. 31:13)
- Yhvh Roi: God my Shepherd (Psa 23:1)
- El Shaddai: Almighty (Gen 17:1)
- Abba: Father (Mk 14:36; Rom. 8:15; Gal 4:6)
- Don’t call men "Father." (Mt. 23:9)
Names of the Messiah
A Tribute in Song
4. "Thy Kingdom come"
Seek you first the Kingdom (Mt 6:33)
Reasons to want God’s Kingdom to come:
- The desert will blossom (Isa. 35:1)
- People will be healed (Isa. 35:5-7)
- Animals will be tame (Isa. 11:6-9)
- No sorrow (Isa. 35:10)
5. "Thy will be done"
Christ’s example (Jn. 5:30; 6:38; Mt. 26:39)
Know God’s will (Eph. 5:17)
Ask for God’s will (1Jn. 5:14)
God’s will (1Tim. 2:4; 2Pet.3:9)
6. "On earth as it is in heaven"
Christ is going to return (Acts 1)
To stand on the Mount of Olives (Zech. 14)
Christ to come in His Kingdom (Mt. 16:28)
All will see His return (Lk. 17:24)
7. "Give us this day our daily bread"
We need spiritual food (Mt. 4:4)
We are sanctified by God’s Word (Jn. 17:17)
Spiritual food results in spiritual life (Jn. 6:58)
8. "And forgive us out debts as we forgive our debtors"
Confess your sins (1Jn. 1:9)
Don’t condemn (Mt. 7:1; Rom. 2:1-3)
Stephen’s example (Acts 7:60)
We are to forgive our brother (Mt. 18:21-35; Lk. 17:3)
If we ask for forgiveness, we’d better give it. (Mk. 11:25; Lk. 6:37; Jas. 2:13)
Christ regarding forgiveness (Lk. 15; Col. 3:13)
9. "Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil"
We bring temptation on ourselves (Jas. 1:13)
We need deliverance because we’re weak (Mt. 26:41)
"The Lord knows how to deliver us." (2Pet 2:9)
"Don’t allow iniquity to have dominion over me." (Psa 119:133)
10. "For Thine is the Kingdom and the power and the glory, for ever."
God owns everything. (Gen. 1:1)
How He made it (Jer. 10:12-13)
11. "Amen"