The Lord’s Prayer – 8 Keys Revealed in Matthew, Chapter 6
1.) Honor God
“Our Father who art in heaven.” We need to always acknowledge first and foremost who we are talking to. God is our heavenly Father. He is the only true God who created all things in this universe, including us. He loves us and we need to show our love for Him. Read: Romans 8:15-17, Galatians 4: 4-7, 2 Chronicles 7:14.
2.) Honor His Holy Name
“Hallowed be your name.” We must see God as being holy, sanctified, consecrated; worthy of praise, honor and glory! Read: Luke 1:49, Isaiah 57:15, Psalm 33:21.
3.) Honor His Kingdom
“Your kingdom come.” We acknowledge His kingdom. We submit ourselves as his loyal subjects and allow Him to reign as Lord in our lives. We need to bring the kingdom with us — wherever we go. Read: Matthew 19:24, Matthew 6:31-33, Romans 14:17.
4.) Honor His Will
“Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.” We need to be praying for His will to be done in our lives, so that we might bring glory to Him here on earth as He is also glorified in heaven. We need to do things His way, instead of selfishly doing our own things to satisfy our own desires. Read: John 5:30, Galatians 1:4, Matthew 18:19.
5.) Thank Him for Provision
“Give us today our daily bread.” We should thank our Father each day for providing for our needs. Read: Acts 2:46-47, John 6:35.
6.) Thank Him for Forgiveness
“Forgive us our debts as we also have forgiven our debtors.” This speaks about forgiveness among our associates, neighbors, friends, family and loved ones. Any and all persons in our lives that we come in contact with in social or business situations are included as well. If we can’t forgive others, how can we expect our heavenly Father to forgive us? When we have truly forgiven someone, we are able to say, “Thank you for the experience that you gave to me. It has helped to make me the person God needed me to be.” Read: Matthew 6:14-15, Matthew 18:21-22, Luke 23:34.
7.) Thank Him for Discernment
“Lead us not into temptation.” We need to ask our heavenly Father to help us recognize every evil thing, every temptation before us. We need help to stay focused on our Father and see the evil that we might fall into, for what it is really is, a trap set by Satan to bring us down to his level. Read: James 1:13-15.
8.) Thank Him for Deliverance
“But deliver us from the evil one.” Help us, dear Father, to steer clear of the father of lies, Satan. Let us see clearly the path that you want each of us to walk. By the power of the Holy Spirit that dwells within us, may we never stray from your will and way… Read: Hebrews 2:14-15, 2 Peter 2: 9.
In conclusion, some believe that the end of the Lord’s Prayer – “For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory forever” – was added by someone other than the original writer. Whether that is true or not, this last phrase simply emphasizes more praise and glory to God the Father. It is absolutely biblical, and it is a glorious ending to this prayer. Read: 1 Chronicles 29:11, Revelation 19:1.
Enjoy your day!
Lori Greenwood
