Matthew 6:7-15
“When you are praying, do not heap up empty phrases as the Gentiles do; for they think that they will be heard because of their many words. Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him. Pray then in this way:
Our Father in heaven,
hallowed be your name.
Your kingdom come.
Your will be done,
on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread.
And forgive us our debts,
as we also have forgiven our debtors.
And do not bring us to the time of trial,
but rescue us from the evil one.
For if you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you; but if you do not forgive others, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.”
Having just told us to be real in our prayer, Jesus now shows us what that looks like. The essence of the prayer is relatively simple. And meaningful, although that’s easier to miss because we so often say it from rote memory. But each of the components is striking.
We pray that we might speak and act in a way that keeps God’s name holy; that is, that shows that we honor God. We ask that God bring God’s rule of justice and peace and that we act as God would have us act until that time. We ask for enough provision for the day, no more and no less. We ask to be forgiven and that we may forgive others. We ask that we not be tried beyond our ability or endurance.
Or to make it even simpler: we pray that we might…
Act as God would have us act;
Have what God would have us have – no more or less;
Honor our relationships – asking and extending forgiveness – as God would have us treat those relationships;
And for the strength to do these things.
Or even simpler still: in the Lord’s Prayer, Jesus directs our concern to God, ourselves, and our neighbor, and for the strength to care for all three. It’s that simple. That profound. That important. And so worth slowing down and considering what we’re actually praying for.
Prayer: Dear God, keep focused on our relationships with you and each other and help us be content with what we need for the day. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
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