How Should We Pray The Lords Prayer?

God's Interest

I used to think that the Lord’s Prayer was a prayer we are supposed to recite word for word. And some people think that the Lord’s Prayer has some special power or influence with God. The Bible teaches the opposite. Here are some tips for praying based on the Lord's Prayer. But remember, God is far more interested in our hearts when we pray than He is in our words.

“But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you. 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” (Matthew 6:6-7).

Talk To God

When I pray I just talk to God. I tell him the things that are on my heart. I think him for all he has done in my life and pray for guidance in all I do. And I even pray for him to bring the pain if I am getting off track. He doesn't want us to simply recite memorized words.

Lord's Prayer

Jesus showed us how to pray the Lord’s Prayer and gave us a guideline for praying in general. “Our Father in heaven” is teaching us whom to address our prayers tor. “Hallowed be your name” is telling us to worship God, and to praise Him for who He is. “Your kingdom come, your will be done on earth as it is in heaven” is a reminder to us that we are to pray for God’s plan in our lives and not our own plan. I always pray for God’s will to be done, not mine because I know his will is always best. You should ask God for the things we need “give us today our daily bread.” “Forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us” reminds us to confess our sins to God and to turn from them, and also to forgive others as God has forgiven us. The conclusion of the Lord’s Prayer, “And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one” is a plea for help in achieving victory over sin and a request for protection from the attacks of the devil.

God Knows Your Heart

Is there anything wrong with memorizing the Lord’s Prayer? Of course not! Is there anything wrong with praying the Lord’s Prayer back to God? Not if your heart is in it and you truly mean the words you say. Remember, God knows your heart even better than you do. If you are truly reaching out to Him, he is pleased!