HOW TO PRAY 

You might be wondering whether it is necessary for one to be taught how to pray. Yes, of course, the disciples asked Jesus to teach them to pray (Luke 11:12; Mathew 6:9-13), and in response Christ gave the universal church what we consider the 'divine structural pattern of prayer' shown to us in Matthew 6:9-13: “This then is how you should pray. ‘Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. Forgive us our debts as we also have forgiven our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.'”

This prayer ( referred to as the ‘Lord’s Prayer’) is accepted by many scholars as a model on how Christians should pattern their prayers, because of the statement, “This is how (not what) you should pray”(verse 9).

However, the recitation of the Lord’s prayer over and over by believers is not in any way wrong, because the passage in Luke 11:2 uses the words “when you pray.” This implies that it can be repeated. So the Lord’s prayer has a dual use: it can be used as a model; and at the same time, it can be recited word-for-word in prayers.

 We are to apply the Lord's Prayer as a model on how the church is taught to pray. The Lord’s Prayer gives a structural standard of what the content of our prayer should be.

       Verse             Elaboration
Matthew 6:9      “Our Father” indicates the relationship of Father and children.

Matthew 6:9      “Hallowed be your name.” Praise, worship and adoration to God.
Matthew 6:10   
Matthew 6:10    “Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.” Acknowledges subjection to obedience to God’s will.    That can only be obtained through studying and meditating on God’s word. In the place of prayer, hearing from God through his word to know his will is very important.
Matthew 6:11     “Give us this day our daily bread” we are acknowledging that God is our sustainer and provider. (We make our petition known to God).

Matthew 6:12    “Forgive us our debts” Confessing our sins before God.
Matthew 6:12    “Forgiven our debtors” We are expected to have forgiven those who offended or wronged us before coming to God’s presence in prayer.
Matthew 6:13    “Lead us not into temptation” Protection against falling into the test of temptation.
Matthew 6:13   “Deliver us from the evil one” Requesting or asking of God’s power to spare or deliver us from the attack of Satan.

 “Your kingdom come” is a reference to God’s spiritual reign through Christ in believers hearts.