“In this manner, therefore, pray: ‘Our Father in heaven, hallowed by 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 forgive our debtors. 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’ (Matthew 6:9-13)
Perhaps you have uttered this prayer by rote, but routine sometimes causes the mind to wander in other directions (due to familiarity with the words). So, let’s consider some interesting matters relating to the text and context:
- In reality, this should actually be called “the disciples’ prayer” that the Lord is using to teach His disciples. The shorter version of this prayer in Luke 11:1ff. refers to disciples twice. This word is used of an apprentice who learns as he follows his instructor. Here we encounter a great model, or pattern taught us by the Master Teacher.
- In contrast to the “many words” of verse 7, used by the hypocrites Jesus makes reference to, this prayer is approximately 60 words in length in the original language of the New Testament. The shorter version, found in Luke’s Gospel (chapter 11:1ff.), uses about 40 words. A very short, but power-packed prayer!
- That is not to say that the contents of this prayer are the only thoughts to be uttered when we pray, although they are critical! Other portions of Scripture add other matters, such as fellowship with God, requests for spiritual growth, pleading for the salvation and/or provisions needed by others, and more (such as requests for wisdom and help from above).
- Finally, an important issue dealt with in this prayer is the reminder that prayer is not to tell God how little we know, but to acknowledge who He is and what He has done, does, and will do. He is The Teacher, we are His students (not His advisers)! We are to address the God of this universe, and not impress those in the hearing of our voice!
Teacher - Feature 