The Lord’s Prayer: A Bible Study Guide
(Matthew 6:9-13, Luke 11:2-4)
The Lord’s Prayer is one of the most well-known passages in the Bible, offering a model for prayer as taught by Jesus. It emphasizes reverence for God, submission to His will, dependence on His provision, forgiveness, and spiritual protection.
1. Text of The Lord’s Prayer (Matthew 6:9-13, NIV)
“This, then, is how you should pray:
9 ‘Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name,
10 your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.
11 Give us today our daily bread.
12 And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors.
13 And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.’”
2. Verse-by-Verse Study
Verse 9: “Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name”
- “Our Father”:
- A personal and communal relationship with God.
- The term “Father” conveys intimacy, care, and authority.
- “In heaven”:
- Recognizes God’s sovereignty, majesty, and eternal nature.
- “Hallowed be your name”:
- “Hallowed” means holy, set apart, and worthy of reverence.
- The prayer begins with worship, acknowledging God’s holiness.
Application: Begin prayer with praise, focusing on God’s character and acknowledging His authority over all creation.
Verse 10: “Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven”
- “Your kingdom come”:
- A prayer for God’s reign to be fully realized on earth.
- Involves both the current manifestation of His rule through His people and the future return of Christ.
- “Your will be done”:
- Submission to God’s purposes, even when it’s difficult.
- A desire for His perfect plan to prevail in our lives and the world.
- “On earth as it is in heaven”:
- A call for the harmony, obedience, and perfection of heaven to be reflected on earth.
Application: Pray for God’s priorities to take precedence over personal desires, aligning with His plans.
Verse 11: “Give us today our daily bread”
- “Give us”:
- A humble acknowledgment of dependence on God for provision.
- “Today”:
- A reminder to trust God daily, without worrying excessively about the future.
- “Our daily bread”:
- Refers to physical needs (food, shelter) and spiritual sustenance (God’s Word, Matthew 4:4).
Application: Trust God as your provider and bring your daily needs to Him in faith.
Verse 12: “And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors”
- “Forgive us our debts”:
- A plea for God’s mercy in forgiving our sins.
- Recognizes our inability to repay the “debt” of sin without His grace.
- “As we also have forgiven our debtors”:
- Forgiveness is both received and given.
- Our willingness to forgive others reflects our understanding of God’s forgiveness toward us (Matthew 18:21-35).
Application: Regularly seek God’s forgiveness and extend forgiveness to others as an act of obedience and grace.
Verse 13: “And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one”
- “Lead us not into temptation”:
- A request for God’s guidance to avoid situations that test our faith or lead to sin.
- Reflects dependence on God for spiritual strength.
- “But deliver us from the evil one”:
- Acknowledges the reality of spiritual warfare and the need for God’s protection from Satan’s schemes.
Application: Ask for God’s protection and strength to resist sin and overcome spiritual attacks.
3. Key Themes of The Lord’s Prayer
- Worship and Reverence:
- Begins with adoration and recognition of God’s holiness.
- Submission to God’s Will:
- Prioritizes God’s kingdom and His plans over personal desires.
- Dependence on God:
- Emphasizes daily reliance on God for physical and spiritual needs.
- Forgiveness:
- Highlights the importance of grace in relationships with God and others.
- Spiritual Protection:
- Seeks God’s help to navigate life’s trials and overcome evil.
4. Reflective Questions
- How does addressing God as “Our Father” influence your approach to prayer?
- In what areas of your life do you need to surrender to God’s will?
- Are you trusting God daily for your needs, or are you anxious about the future?
- Is there anyone you need to forgive to reflect God’s forgiveness in your life?
- How do you seek God’s protection against spiritual challenges?
5. Practical Applications
- Develop a Prayer Routine:
- Use the structure of The Lord’s Prayer as a guide for daily prayer, covering worship, submission, provision, forgiveness, and protection.
- Practice Forgiveness:
- Regularly examine your relationships and take steps to forgive others as Christ forgives you.
- Trust in God’s Provision:
- Bring your needs to God in prayer and trust Him to meet them one day at a time.
- Seek God’s Will:
- Align your prayers and actions with God’s priorities, focusing on His kingdom and glory.
- Be Aware of Spiritual Warfare:
- Pray for strength and discernment to resist temptation and stand firm in your faith.
6. Summary
The Lord’s Prayer is a model for a well-rounded spiritual life, emphasizing worship, dependence, forgiveness, and protection. It teaches believers to approach God with humility, faith, and a heart aligned with His purposes. By applying its principles, we deepen our relationship with God and live out His kingdom values in daily life.