10 Unmistakable Truths Acknowledged When We Pray The Lord’s Prayer

The Lord’s Prayer, as articulated in the Gospel of Matthew and a shorter version in the Gospel of Luke, holds great significance in the realm of Christian prayer. It goes beyond a simple recitation of words; it transforms the prayer life for followers of Jesus.

Praying the Lord’s Prayer is not a robotic exercise but more of an outline given by Jesus to His disciples as they became more committed to Jesus’ work.

The prayer leads us to seek God’s will, His ultimate plan, and the realization of His kingdom on earth. In this, it aligns our desires with His divine purpose, emphasizing that our Christian journey is not about personal gain but the advancement of God’s eternal kingdom. This perspective offers us hope and direction, especially in troubled times.

If you would like to have a copy of the Lord’s Prayer, I have a free printable for you. Click on the image below.

Have you ever wondered if you were praying correctly? Maybe you questioned the words you said or the position you were in when you prayed.

Are you supposed to stand, kneel, bow your head, and look to the heavens? 

The disciples of Christ wanted to ensure they were doing it right, so they asked Jesus to teach them to pray.

Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.
Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread.
And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.
And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen. Matthew 6:9-13 (KJV)

10 Unmistakable Truths Acknowledged When We Say the Lord’s Prayer

Jesus did not give the prayer as a mantra to be repeated. But more like an outline to build upon. This outline prepares our hearts and minds when we acknowledge the truths listed in the prayer.

1) Acknowledge our relationship with God

“Our Father”

Jesus begins the prayer by acknowledging our relationship with God. He is the Father; we are His children. Those of us who have been adopted into the family of God have the privilege to address the Creator of the Universe as Father.

Paul tells us we can be so intimate with the Father that we call Him “Daddy.”

For you did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption as sons, by whom we cry, “Abba! Father!” Romans 8:15

2) Acknowledge God’s authority

“Who art in Heaven”

God is in Heaven, showing His position and authority over all things. Everything was made by Him-all things in Heaven and on Earth, and there is no place in eternity that God does not have authority. He is high, lifted up, and sitting on His throne. (Isaiah 6:1-3)

But the Lord sits enthroned forever; he has established his throne for justice, and he judges the world with righteousness; he judges the peoples with uprightness. Psalm 9:7-8

3) Acknowledge His nature

“Hallowed be Thy name”

God is holy and set apart from any other thing. He cannot be compared to anything humankind can think up. He is Spirit, and we must worship Him in our spirit. (John 4:24)

He is holy and requires us who worship Him to be holy.

As obedient children, do not be conformed to the passions of your former ignorance, but as he who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, since it is written, “You shall be holy, for I am holy.” 1 Peter 1:14-16

4) Acknowledge His ultimate plan

“Thy kingdom come”

God’s kingdom is not of this world, yet His kingdom is found in this world. And it must be found before we pass on into eternity. 

Jesus told several parables about the kingdom of heaven:

• it is priceless-Matthew 13:41-46
• it is discoverable-Matthew 6:33
• it is obtainable-Matthew 13:1-16
• it is expandable-Matthew 13:31-33
• it is eternal-Daniel 7:15-28

The kingdom of God is both here and in the future. To pray that God’s kingdom should come is realizing that His kingdom is not of this world but is being established as each new member joins through Christ’s redeeming power.

Jesus told the inquiring Pharisee, Nicodemus, that he would have to be “born again” to see the kingdom of God. He spoke of the spiritual birth that gives us the right to be adopted into the heavenly kingdom.

Jesus answered him, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God.” John 3:3

5) Acknowledge Our Submission 

“Thy will be done on earth, as it is in Heaven”

Becoming a Christian and receiving the power of the Holy Spirit isn’t for our entertainment. When we join God’s family, we put ourselves under His guidance, direction, and obedience. 

Jesus himself submitted to the authority of God by coming to earth to be born of a virgin, living a sinless life, and taking the punishment for all who call Him Savior. 

Jesus, who is God, submitted to Father God, desiring only to fulfill the Father’s will.

For I have come down from heaven, not to do my own will but the will of him who sent me. John 6:38

6) Acknowledge Our Dependence

“Give us this day our daily bread”

Most of us here in America aren’t worried about whether we can afford our next meal, but the Lord still provides that meal. The air you breathe is provided by the Lord. 

Jesus teaches us to rely on God for all our needs, big and small. Matthew 6 says that our Father knows our needs and will provide. 

We must acknowledge our needs in prayer but not worry about the outcome because that’s God’s responsibility.

And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.

7) Acknowledge Our Need for Forgiveness

“And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors”

“How many times should I forgive someone who offends me,” Peter asked. Jesus’ answer was astounding, “Seven times seventy.” What!? 

How can we forgive someone 490 times? Of course, that’s the point. We must always forgive people who offend us. So easy to say, so hard to do. 

But the Father himself has given us the example to follow. God has forgiven us for so much more than we ever need to forgive others.

And you, who were dead in your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, God made alive together with him, having forgiven us all our trespasses, by canceling the record of debt that stood against us with its legal demands. This he set aside, nailing it to the cross. Colossians 2:13-14

8) Acknowledge Our Need for Deliverance

“And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil”

The Bible tells us that Satan is walking around like a roaring lion looking to kill, steal, and destroy (1 Peter 5:8). But Satan isn’t the only enemy we need to be aware of. We still have the old nature that loves to sin and hates God. It’s a continuous battle to keep that nature under control.

Jesus teaches us to pray that we may be delivered from these old temptations and the evils that overcome us when we aren’t watchful.

My little children, I am writing these things to you so that you may not sin. But if anyone does sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous. He is the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the sins of the whole world. 1 John 2:1-2

9) Acknowledge God’s Ruling Power

“For Thine is the Kingdom, and the power and the glory forever” 

This part acknowledges God’s eternal and immeasurable reign and wonder.

• God’s kingdom is everlasting.
• God’s power is unlimited.
• God’s glory is infinite.

In an attempt to define God’s glory, John Piper says it this way:

“the glory of God is the manifest beauty of his holiness. It is the going-public of his holiness. It is the way he puts his holiness on display for people to apprehend. So, the glory of God is the holiness of God made manifest.”

The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims his handiwork. Psalm 19:1

10) Acknowledge the Truth of God

“Amen”

The truth has been spoken. So be it—a word expressing hearty approval; to express solemn ratification or agreement.

This word is a big exclamation at the end of spoken truth. Here Jesus proclaims that everything He has spoken is TRUE. 

For all the promises of God find their Yes in him. That is why it is through him that we utter our Amen to God for his glory. 2 Corinthians 1:20

Oh give thanks to the Lord; call upon his name; make known his deeds among the peoples! Sing to him, sing praises to him; tell of all his wondrous works! Glory in his holy name; let the hearts of those who seek the Lord rejoice!

As a part of the sermon given by Jesus, the Lord’s Prayer carries the weight of His teachings and guidance. It has been passed down through Christian traditions and holds a special place in the hearts of believers worldwide. When we pray it, we’re not just repeating ancient words but engaging in a profound conversation with our Heavenly Father.

The Lord’s Prayer should not be relegated to mere ritual or recitation on street corners. It should be an earnest and heartfelt communication with God, reinforcing our faith and trust in His eternal plan for our lives. It signifies our unwavering commitment to living according to His will, with the ultimate aim of attaining eternal life in His presence.

I encourage you to print out a printable version of the Lord’s Prayer and make it a part of your daily prayer life. Embrace it as a guide and a source of strength in times of trial. Let it be a beacon of hope, reminding you of your identity as a follower of Jesus and your eternal hope in God’s love and forgiveness. May this prayer lead you on a transformative journey of faith and deepen your relationship with your Heavenly Father.

Click here to download a free printable Pdf version of the Lord’s Prayer.