Pray First: The Plan of Prayer
Matthew 6:5-9 (NKJV) And when you pray, you shall not be like the hypocrites. For they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the corners of the streets, that they may be seen by men. Assuredly, I say to you, they have their reward. 6 But you, when you pray, go into your room, and when you have shut your door, pray to your Father who is in the secret place; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly. 7 And when you pray, do not use vain repetitions as the heathen do. For they think that they will be heard for their many words. 8 Therefore do not be like them. For your Father knows the things you have need of before you ask Him. 9 In this manner, therefore, pray:
If there has ever been someone qualified to teach us how to pray — it’s Jesus.
Matthew 6:9-13 (NKJV) In this manner, therefore, pray: 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 this day our daily bread. 12 And forgive us our debts, As we forgive our debtors. 13 And do not lead us into temptation, But deliver us from the evil one. For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.
What if He intended to give us a plan that covered the major elements we should always remember when we prayed?
1. “Our Father in heaven”
The title of Father speaks of a relationship that’s built on love and affection; as well as respect and honor.
Our relationship with God must begin with us having a right view of Him, because it determines how we approach Him.
Romans 8:15 (NLT) So you have not received a spirit that makes you fearful slaves. Instead, you received God’s Spirit when He adopted you as His own children. Now we call Him, “Abba, Father.”
2. “Hallowed be Your name”
Hallowed — “to revere, bless, and honor.”
Proverbs 18:10 (NLT) The name of the Lord is a strong fortress; the godly run to Him and are safe.
Psalm 100:4 (NLT) Enter His gates with thanksgiving; go into his courts with praise. Give thanks to Him and praise His name.
God has put a protocol in place that invites us to give Him the kind of respect and honor He deserves.
3. “Your kingdom come, Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.”
a) Helps us not be selfish
b) Helps train our ear to hear His voice
c) Helps us acknowledge His ways are higher
d) Helps us remain sensitive to God’s agenda
Do you know what God’s top priority and primary agenda is? People!
John 3:16 (NKJV) For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.
2 Peter 3:9 (NLT) The Lord isn’t really being slow about His promise, as some people think. No, He is being patient for your sake. He does not want anyone to be destroyed, but wants everyone to repent.
Luke 19:10 (NLT) For the Son of Man came to seek and save those who are lost.
Luke 12:31 (TLB) He will always give you all you need from day to day if you will make the Kingdom of God your primary concern.
4. “Give us this day our daily bread”
“Anything worth worrying about, it’s worth praying about.”
Psalm 121:1-2 (NLT) I look up to the mountains — does my help come from there? 2 My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth!
5. “Forgive us our sins, as we have forgiven those who sin against us.”
1 John 1:9 (NLT) But if we confess our sins to Him, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all wickedness [unrighteousness].
Matthew 6:15 (NLT) …if you refuse to forgive others, your Father will not forgive your sins.
6. “And do not lead us into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one”
1 Peter 5:8 (NLT) Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour.
Prayer is not only meant to be communion with God, but it’s also a confrontation with the enemy.
7. “For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever.”
Jeremiah 32:17 (NLT) O Sovereign Lord! You made the heavens and earth by Your strong hand and powerful arm. Nothing is too hard for You!