The World's Greatest Prayer
By in Student
Texts to examine: Matthew 6:9-15, Luke 11:1-10, Luke 18:9-14
I. How is your prayer life? Growing? Deepening? Dissipating?
Luke 11 gives us the greatest prayer and safest pattern to learn how to talk with God. Outlined by Jesus, it has six topics as a model.
A. Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed by thy name
We begin by praising God for who he is: Our Father; and His character qualities: healer, righteousness, peace, mercy, love, good, kind, shepherd, helper, and so on. Bless Him with your words; sing to Him; honor and adore Him; rest in who He is.
B. Thy kingdom come, thy will be done
Move into praying for God’s rule (kingdom) and His will to be done in your life (on earth) as things are in heaven. Pray for His rule in your life, family, ministry, church, country, nation, etc. Pause and listen for God’s voice.
C. Give us this day our daily bread
God wants us to depend on Him for our daily provision. The key to receiving daily bread is obedience and humility. Ask God for what you need (i.e. strength, direction, peace, food, wisdom, etc.). Ask God to bless the ministry of Chi Alpha Campus Ministries and the Church.
D. Forgive us our sins as we forgive those who sin against us
Search your heart before God. Ask Him to reveal hidden sin. Trust his promise in 1 John 1:9 and ask for and receive his forgiveness. Release forgiveness to those whom you have bitterness. Forgiveness comeS from the will, not our emotions.
E. Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil
Read Ephesians 6:10-17. Put on the WHOLE armor of God each day. Ask God to help you walk in the “light” of relationship with Him and other believers. Trust God to protect you from the enemy and resist temptation. Orient yourself to living right in the power of the Holy Spirit. Pause and listen for God to speak to you.
F. For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory
This prayer began with praise, recognizing God for who He is. It closes in the same manner, but allows us also to worship Him for His acts on our behalf. Worship Jesus! Acknowledge His sovereign authority. Bless Him for being in charge. Thank Him for His ruler ship in your life, which provides care, provision, safety, leadership, etc.
Using the pattern Jesus gave in Luke 11, you can regularly pray and constantly walk in communion with God. You can also use this pattern to help other learn to pray like Jesus.
All views expressed on this blog are the author's own and do not necessarily reflect the view of Chi Alpha Campus Ministries, U.S.A., U.S. Missions, and The General Council of the Assemblies of God.