2 He said to them, "When you pray, say: ‘Father, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come. 3 Give us each day our daily bread. 4 Forgive us our sins, for we also forgive everyone who sins against us. And lead us not into temptation. '"
In response to His disciples request to teach them to pray, Jesus gives our verses for today. In His prayer He gives five entreaties. The first two deal with issues concerning primarily God’s interests (which also, of course, ultimately affect us) – that His name be kept sacred and holy and that His kingdom would come. Many verses are flooding my mind right now in relation to these two pleas. One such verse penned by King David is found in Psalm 8: 1 O LORD, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth! You have set your glory
above the heavens. Psalms 8:1 (NIV)
God’s name, actually meaning the revealed character of God, is to be exalted above all creation demonstrating His splendor and magnificence. John Piper states: “God has an inexhaustible enthusiasm for the fame of His name among the nations.” No wonder God describes David as a “man after His own heart”. The third commandment tells us:11 "You shall not misuse the name of the LORD your God, for the LORD will not hold anyone guiltless who misuses his name. Deut 5:11 (NIV)
We are never to attach God’s name to emptiness – whether using it flippantly or in a profane manner. The Psalms are replete with praises and enthusiasm for God’s name. Another such Psalm, again penned by David, is found in Psalm 68: 3 But may the righteous be glad and rejoice before God; may they be happy and joyful. 4 Sing to God, sing praise to his name, extol him who rides on the clouds -- his name is the LORD-- and rejoice before him. Psalms 68:3-4 (NIV)
God also tells is in Scripture to pray for His kingdom to come where His peace will reign. In fact we are told to give neither ourselves nor Him rest until He establishes Jerusalem making her the praise of the earth: You who call on the LORD, give yourselves no rest, 7 and give him no rest till he establishes Jerusalem and makes her the praise of the earth. Isaiah 62:6-7 (NIV)
Jerusalem, His beloved city, awaits the perfection of His presence ushering in a kingdom of peace. At that time His people will be given honor among all the peoples of the earth and he will rejoice over them with singing (Zephaniah 3:17, 20). Next, Jesus teaches us to pray for our daily needs. This is interesting in light of how God taught the Israelites to depend on Him for their daily provision through manna. Each day, they were to gather only what they needed for the day except for the day prior to the Sabbath in which they were to gather enough for two days. This served as a continuous reminder to them that God supplied their every need just as He does for us too. We would do well to remember this also. Just the asking for it in prayer is a reminder of Who the supplier is: 16 You open your hand and satisfy the desires of every living thing. Psalms 145:16 (NIV)
Jesus then tells us to ask for forgiveness. It is important for us to keep our accounts short with the Lord. Sin needs to be dealt with swiftly and thoroughly. God looks at no sin lightly. Any sin causes great grief to God. It cost Him the life of His precious Son. Again, he looks at no sin lightly and each sin we do carries with it a death sentence. It would profit us for our hearts to break over the same things that God’s heart breaks over and rejoice over what His heart rejoices over! Having a heart like God’s was King David’s highest commendation. We are to repent (turn) quickly from anything that breaks our fellowship with God asking Him to forgive us on the merits of Jesus’ blood and His atoning sacrifice for us on the cross. Because of our faith in Jesus and His work on the cross on our behalf, God will forgive our sins: 9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. 10 If we claim we have not sinned, we make him out to be a liar and his word has no place in our lives. 1 John 1:9-10 (NIV)
Lastly, He shows us to plead for safety from temptation. What is asked for here is a deliverance from situations which may cause us to stumble and fall. As humans we are so easily drawn into sin – it began with Eve and continues on to this day. Praying this also gives us a better focus or mindset to steer away from known weaknesses where we are prone to give up and give in. This is particularly necessary for those of us who are just breaking out of a bondage to a certain sin. A made up mindset before temptation arises in any area is invaluable and will help keep us from going back there – and trust me, we do not want to go back. I believe if we could see the end result of each of our poor choices we would doubtless like Joseph with Potiphar’s wife – flee! 133 Direct my footsteps according to your word; let no sin rule over me. Psalms 119:133 (NIV)