THE PATTERN OF THE LORD’S PRAYER

THE PATTERN OF THE LORD’S PRAYER

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: Matthew 6:9-13

Key Verse: “After this manner therefore pray ye…” (Matthew 6:9)

Supporting Texts: Luke 11:1-4, Philippians 4:6, Jeremiah 33:3, Hebrews 4:16, 1 Thessalonians 5:17

Description: This study reveals the structure and spiritual principles found in the Lord’s Prayer and teaches believers how to pray effectively according to God’s pattern.

INTRODUCTION

In Matthew chapter 6, Jesus taught His disciples how to pray. The Lord’s Prayer was not merely given as a religious recitation, but as a divine pattern that reveals the proper attitude, priorities, and structure of prayer.

Many believers struggle in prayer because they lack understanding of how to approach God properly. Through this prayer model, Jesus taught believers about worship, surrender, dependence on God, forgiveness, spiritual warfare, and trusting God daily.

The Lord’s Prayer reveals that prayer is not simply presenting requests to God; it is developing relationship, honouring God’s will, and aligning our lives with His Kingdom purposes.

1. PRAYER BEGINS WITH WORSHIP AND REVERENCE

Effective prayer starts with honouring God.

a) “Our Father which art in heaven” (Matthew 6:9)
Jesus taught believers to approach God with confidence, relationship, and reverence as loving children before their heavenly Father.

b) “Hallowed be thy name” (Matthew 6:9)
Prayer should begin with worship, honour, and recognition of God’s holiness and greatness.

c) Worship shifts focus from problems to God’s power (Psalm 100:4)
Entering God’s presence with thanksgiving and praise strengthens faith and spiritual confidence.

d) Reverence produces deeper intimacy with God (Hebrews 12:28-29)
A heart that honours God develops greater spiritual sensitivity and devotion.

Biblical Example:
David frequently began his prayers and psalms with praise, worship, and exaltation unto God (Psalm 103:1-5).

2. PRAYER INVOLVES SURRENDER TO GOD’S WILL

Kingdom prayer prioritises God’s purpose above personal desires.

a) “Thy kingdom come” (Matthew 6:10)
Believers should desire God’s rule, authority, and purpose to be established in every area of life.

b) “Thy will be done” (Matthew 6:10)
Prayer involves surrendering personal plans and trusting God’s wisdom completely.

c) God’s will leads to peace and fulfilment (Romans 12:2)
Aligning with God’s purpose produces spiritual stability and direction.

d) True prayer seeks God’s agenda first (Matthew 6:33)
Kingdom-minded believers place God’s priorities above earthly concerns.

Biblical Example:
Jesus surrendered completely to the Father’s will during His prayer in Gethsemane before the cross (Luke 22:41-42).

3. PRAYER EXPRESSS DEPENDENCE UPON GOD

Believers must rely upon God daily for every need.

a) “Give us this day our daily bread” (Matthew 6:11)
Jesus taught believers to depend upon God continually for provision, strength, and sustenance.

b) God cares about both spiritual and physical needs (Philippians 4:19)
The Lord provides wisdom, peace, strength, and material needs for His children.

c) Prayer strengthens trust in God’s faithfulness (Psalm 37:25)
Consistent dependence upon God develops deeper faith and confidence.

d) Anxiety is replaced through prayer (Philippians 4:6-7)
Bringing needs before God releases peace and removes worry.

Biblical Example:
God provided daily manna for the Israelites in the wilderness, teaching them continual dependence upon Him (Exodus 16:11-18).

4. PRAYER MUST INCLUDE FORGIVENESS AND SPIRITUAL WARFARE

A healthy prayer life addresses both relationships and spiritual battles.

a) “Forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors” (Matthew 6:12)
Believers must maintain hearts free from bitterness and unforgiveness.

b) Forgiveness preserves fellowship with God (Mark 11:25)
Unforgiveness hinders spiritual growth and effective prayer.

c) “Lead us not into temptation” (Matthew 6:13)
Prayer strengthens believers against temptation, weakness, and spiritual attacks.

d) God delivers His people from evil (2 Thessalonians 3:3)
The Lord protects and strengthens believers against the works of darkness.

Biblical Example:
Daniel prayed consistently despite opposition, and God delivered him from danger and evil (Daniel 6:10-22).

5. PRAYER ENDS WITH FAITH, WORSHIP, AND CONFIDENCE IN GOD

Prayer should conclude with assurance in God’s power and authority.

a) “For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory” (Matthew 6:13)
Jesus taught believers to end prayer with confidence in God’s sovereignty and greatness.

b) Faith believes God hears and answers prayer (Mark 11:24)
Effective prayer is rooted in trust and expectation.

c) Thanksgiving strengthens spiritual confidence (1 Thessalonians 5:18)
Gratitude reflects faith in God’s goodness and faithfulness.

d) Persistent prayer produces spiritual victory (Luke 18:1)
Believers must continue steadfastly in prayer without losing heart.

Biblical Example:
Jehoshaphat worshipped and trusted God in prayer, and the Lord gave supernatural victory over enemies (2 Chronicles 20:3-22).

CONCLUSION

The Lord’s Prayer provides a divine pattern for effective and balanced prayer. Jesus taught believers to approach God with worship, surrender, dependence, forgiveness, spiritual vigilance, and faith.

Prayer is not meant to be empty repetition but sincere fellowship with God. As believers follow the principles found in the Lord’s Prayer, they grow spiritually, develop intimacy with God, and experience greater victory and peace in their lives.

PRAYER POINTS

1. Lord, teach me to pray according to Your will in Jesus name

2. Father, help me to honour and worship You sincerely in prayer in Jesus name

3. Lord, strengthen my dependence upon You daily in Jesus name

4. Father, help me to surrender completely to Your purpose in Jesus name

5. Lord, forgive me and cleanse my heart from every sin in Jesus name

6. Father, help me to forgive others freely and sincerely in Jesus name

7. Lord, deliver me from every temptation and evil attack in Jesus name

8. Father, increase my faith and confidence in prayer in Jesus name

9. Lord, let my prayer life become deeper and more effective in Jesus name

10. Father, let my life continually reflect Your Kingdom and glory in Jesus name

PROPHETIC DECLARATIONS

1. Your prayer life shall become stronger and more effective!

2. God shall draw you into deeper fellowship and intimacy with Him!

3. Every hindrance to your prayer life is removed!

4. You shall walk in greater understanding of God’s will and purpose!

5. Divine provision and daily sustenance shall not fail in your life!

6. Every spirit of temptation and evil shall lose its hold over you!

7. Your faith shall grow stronger through prayer and communion with God!

8. God shall answer your prayers and release testimonies into your life!

9. Peace, joy, and spiritual confidence shall overflow in your heart!

10. Your life shall continually reflect the power and glory of God’s Kingdom!