The Lord’s Prayer
There’s a myth that we who preach grace dismiss everything Jesus said before the cross. According to the myth, we disregard the red letters of the Bible as law for to those under law.
Nothing could be further from the truth! What sort of followers of Christ would we be if we ignored what Jesus said?
Take the Lord’s Prayer for instance. It’s one of the greatest prayers in the Bible:
This, then, is how you should pray: “Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name,” (Matt 6:9)
Jesus doesn’t teach us to pray, “Almighty God and Judge of the Living and the Dead,” but “our Father.” God is our Father. I could write a book on those two little words, and I have. It’s called Who’s Your Daddy? and you can get it free here. Read it and be blessed.
God is our Father. This is the key to effective prayer. When you pray, you’re talking to your Daddy who loves you.
“Hallowed be your name” means “may your true identity be recognized and honored.” May you be revealed as my Father who loves me and cares for me. May the whole world know this!
Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. (Matt 6:10)
Whose will be done? Our Father’s will. As it is in heaven means if it’s not his will for there, it’s not his will for here. Sickness is not his will. Poverty and oppression are not his will. No father wants to see his children sick and bound with poverty.
Give us today our daily bread. (Matt 6:11)
From the kingdom (a great big thing) to our daily necessities (a small thing), you can trust God to care for every detail of your life. Don’t ever say, “I don’t want to trouble the Almighty with this small thing.” If it matters to you, it matters to him because he’s your Father.
And because he’s your Father you don’t need to beg or babble “like the pagans who think they will be heard on account of their many words” (Matt 6:7). Ask boldly, with confidence. Note the audacity of Christ’s words. “Give us our daily bread.” My little girl is not afraid of letting us know when she’s hungry and I’m not offended when she demands food. I delight to give her what she needs. Similarly, your heavenly Father delights to give you good gifts (Jas 1:17).
Notice that we’re not praying for tomorrow’s bread, but today’s. “Don’t worry about tomorrow” (Matt 6:34) because that will ruin your today and deprive you of the blessing that God has for you now. This faith walk is a day-by-day relationship.
And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. (Matt 6:12)
The genius of Jesus is he can say one thing and give perfect medicine to everyone. If you are self-righteous you will hear these words as law. (You’d better forgive, or God won’t forgive you!)
But if you know God is your loving Father, you will hear these words as grace. (My Father has forgiven me and in his name I forgive others.)
(What about those verses that come after the Lord’s Prayer where Jesus says “If you don’t forgive, God won’t forgive”? See this post.)
And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one. (Matt 6:13a)
Some people confuse the devil with the Lord. They say things like “God gives and takes away.” But Jesus says, “God gives and gives and gives. It’s the thief who’s robbing you.”
Some say, “God is testing me with one test after another.” But Jesus says, “God will never lead you into temptation but will deliver you from the tempter.”
Some say, “I’m hardwired to sin. I can’t help it.” But Jesus says, “God will never lead you into sin, but he will lead you out!” Trust your loving Father, resist the evil one and he will flee from you!
For yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen. (Matt 6:13b)
We began our prayer with praise – “Hallowed be thy name” – and we finish with praise. When we fill our prayers with praise, boasting in the awesomeness of Daddy God, our faith is stirred. We don’t pray in reaction to our circumstances, but in response to our Father’s goodness.
The prayer that Jesus taught us is brilliant for it covers everything – from the big stuff to our daily needs and our relationships with others – without being formulaic. It is not a set of magic words but an invitation to approach the throne of grace in our hour of need.
Although some treat the Lord’s Prayer as a religious and lifeless cliché, its real power is in revealing a mighty God who loves us like a Father and cares for even the smallest details of our lives.
Praying in the manner that Jesus taught changes us. It transforms us from desperate, lonely individuals into who we truly are; our Father’s beloved children.
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Escape to Reality 
Whenever you teach on what Jesus said, or God said, you always say that God didn’t mean it that way and give your own explanation. This is just like when Satan spoke to Eve and contradicted God. 2 The woman said to the serpent, “From the fruit of the trees of the garden we may eat; 3 but from the fruit of the tree which is in the middle of the garden, God has said, ‘You shall not eat from it or touch it, or you will die.'” 4 The serpent said to the woman, “You surely will not die! 5 “For God knows that in the day you eat from it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.” 6 When the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was a delight to the eyes, and that the tree was desirable to make one wise, she took from its fruit and ate; and she gave also to her husband with her, and he ate. 7 Then the eyes of both of them were opened, and they knew that they were naked; and they sewed fig leaves together and made themselves loin coverings.
In 1 John 2:22 † Who is the liar but the one who denies that Jesus is the Christ? This is the antichrist, the one who denies the Father and the Son. 23 † Whoever denies the Son does not have the Father; the one who confesses the Son has the Father also.
The word for deny, is contradict, you always contradict what the bible says, to support your teaching.
I suggest you stick to the truth, it is the only thing we have to rely on, being a deceiver doesn’t help anyone in the end.
Peter, I have never seen Paul try to deceive anyone on here. Can you give a specific example? Also, where do you get your definition of “deny” as meaning contradict?
Blessings, Warren (South Carolina, USA)
Peter, can you please give examples of what you are referring to? Where did Paul go “wrong”?
Colossians 3:15Amplified Bible (AMP)
15 And let the peace (soul harmony which comes) from Christ rule (act as umpire continually) in your hearts [deciding and settling with finality all questions that arise in your minds, in that peaceful state] to which as [members of Christ’s] one body you were also called [to live]. And be thankful (appreciative), [giving praise to God always].
// Just like when Satan spoke to Eve and contradicted God. //
I always thought the Serpent was the Hero in the story – he freed Adam and Eve from ignorance – Who want to live in ignorance ? Not me !
Peter,
“I always thought. . . .Who want to live in ignorance ?”
Your ignorance is blaringly obvious to all except yourself.
Blessings,
Warren
This page never once has denied(or contradicted) that Jesus is Christ. The bible is not Jesus. By using 1 John 2:22 to make your point you are misusing scripture to support your own argument and isn’t that what you are accusing the page writer of? Get your own bible use in order first before accusing others of mangling scripture.
And as for contradicting scripture this page has it far clearer than most. Just because it ma not fit what you have been taught does not mean it is contradicting scripture itself. We Christians have been taught that scripture means or says many things which it does not when you look at the message as a whole instead of verses plucked out of context and interpreted by tradition instead of a plain reading..
Thanks God for letting E2R passed to my way. It really makes a crystal clear view of who really is God for me. Pardon me Dr.Paul if I always use your statements intoto in our church sharing. I can’t rephrase how you wrote them.
You are welcome to share.
The hardest place to escape wrong ideas about God’s character is in worship music. I can’t sing half of what the worship team plays because so many songs are laced with ideas of, or imply, God’s anger – or they beg God to do what Jesus has already done!
AMEN! (to mckoys2013 post)
I sent this to our “worship leader” yesterday:
“Worship is a lifestyle, it’s not an activity. Worship was never meant to be looked at (observed) it was meant to be expressed. If we took away the songs, or the instruments or the electronics, could we worship?”
When I asked him today why he never responded. . . .
“I thought your question was rhetorical.”
I wonder how much damage our faith endures due to today’s “worship” songs being performed?
Blessings,
Warren (South Carolina, USA)
I couldn’t agree more. I find myself thinking about the words in the songs we sing all the time now. We sang a modified hymn recently called I Need Thee (I think that is the title), where we sing over and over how much we need God. And I started thinking about this mindset that you hear people say that “we are a needy people”. Yes, we need God. I agree with my whole being. But I have God – in a strong, permanent way. If you can breathe fine do you always go around saying how much you need oxygen? If you have a normal, loving relationship with your 10 year old wouldn’t you get sick of it if he kept saying how much he needs you?? One thing I’m learning from grace preachers like Paul and others is that we need to say what God says is ours and stop begging. And I have already seen it change me.
Amen!….I soo agree….I pray that every ‘worship leader’ gets revelation of our Father’s love …..some of the worship songs are desperate!…and should not be sung.
that is very true in my experience also
My favourite worship songs are love songs. Listen Bon Jovi: Thank You for Loving Me. Listen to MLTR Paint My Love as a conversation between you and God, replace “queen” with “King” and you have one of the best worship songs ever written imo. Christina Perri’s Thousand Years is the same.
Breathing DEEP…..ahhhh.
Thanks Brother Paul.
Multiplied blessings back to you.
Warren (South Carolina, USA)
Fantastic interpretation! As is the alignment of the sentences with the chakras of the human body.
Man Paul that was an amazing post! I loved it! Wow such good and glad news! Religion and tradition regulate this prayer as a formula or ritual in a service. Bringing these truths to light shows us New Covenant prayer concepts. Praise, bold confidence before our Father, asking for all our needs, understanding our God is good God and good Father. Jesus adds to the New Covenant prayer concept further in the Gospels when He says simply ask in my name and receive. Jesus plus nothing in prayer amen.
Prayer is a means by which our loving Heavenly Father has made a way for us to ‘ask and receive so that our joy may be full’ – It is indeed His joy to meet our every need – As the scriptures say ‘He has already met our every need according to His riches in Glory!’ He has done this through His death and ressurection at Calvary. In many ways we do not need to even ask, we really only need to receive what He has already provided. What a wonderful and loving invitation we have through prayer to have a relationship with our Creator!
Awesome!
One of my favorite posts so far. It only dawned on my recently the point of praising God was for our benefit. I had actually been thinking about the Lord’s Prayer the day before last and completely misunderstood ‘Hallowed be thy name.’ Thanks for clearing this up for me, makes a lot more sense.
Thanks, Paul! Slowly, steadily, I am learning to unclench and give Him thanks for all the benefits of the Divine Exchange packed inside of “It is finished,” and to spend much less time petitioning.
We don’t need to try to convince our Daddy of anything; He is the one convincing US of EVERYTHING!
I love the Gospel of Peace – and you are a precious brother who the Lord has chosen to compliment (not contradict) the revelations of the Apostle Paul that were given to him by OUR FATHER WHO IS IN HEAVEN, AND WE ALL LOVE AND HALLOW HIS NAME and trust He will always cause His glorious voice to be heard if we will listen….
Colossians 3:15Amplified Bible (AMP)
15 And let the peace (soul harmony which comes) from Christ rule (act as umpire continually) in your hearts [deciding and settling with finality all questions that arise in your minds, in that peaceful state] to which as [members of Christ’s] one body you were also called [to live]. And be thankful (appreciative), [giving praise to God always].
Thanks Brother Paul, The Lord’s prayer is beautiful, Our Lord Jesus taught us to pray, prayed for us, saved us and He is still praying for us…Wow, Glory to the One and Only, Lord Jesus! Hallelujah!
Excellent
Dear Peter, None of what Paul has written in this post contradicts God’s Word, instead it only expounds and supplements it. It’s sad to see that you do not see this truth.
Dear Paul, Excellent Post. Most people see prayer as a form of request/petition to God (so did I until my relationship with the Lord began). But even the dictionary defines prayer as “Communion with God”. When I understood that I saw that the communion never ends, so prayer also never ends, I now really enjoy prayer which I do in my sleep too 🙂
Paul when ever you talk about Gods word. I always feel so safe.
I admit, that I fell from grace and found myself in the pit of legalism. I have been there for so long that I have been blinded (kind of like Apostle Paul). Now I feel that you, Paul, are my Ananias and are curing my blindness. Thank you so much brother. This new sight has given me a new hunger for God that is insatiable. I just went to the library and checked out books from Derek Prince and Tullian Tchividjian. Any other recommendations?
Thank you, Wendy. Have you seen our Book Reviews page?
The Lords Prayer is also found in John 17 . One of the most powerful prayers in the Bible
Hi Paul. I always appreciate your posts. My question for you is not a criticism.but a request for clarification. When you say that if it isn’t God’s will in heaven, it isn’t His will on earth, I can’t help but wonder about the sufferings we are told to rejoice in. There will be no suffering or testing in heaven, but Peter said that testings (from God) would have the effect of purifying me: “When He has tried me, I shall come forth as gold.” I know that God doesn’t tempt me, but does He not test me and allow sufferings for my good? Thank you for your response.
Hi Kathy, as it happens I’m putting the finishing touches on a post called “The Testing of your Faith,” that’s scheduled to come out this Thursday. I’m sure that one will stimulate discussion along these lines. Incidentally, that quote is from Job, not Peter (see Job 23:10).
Paul..seems like you are in disagreement with some other grace teachers on this subject…I read in Andrew Farleys books and on his website that he teaches that the lords prayer condemns us and that on this side of the cross we should not pray this prayer…I see and agree with farleys points…what do you think about farleys view?
Love everything you write Paul, you’re helping so many people shed religious bondages for real freedom through grace, so thank you.
That was an intentionally complimentary and sincere preface before I point out that in the 2nd to last paragraph you used the wrong “it’s”. Should be ” its”. I apologize for being a slightly neurotic grammar freak.
Haha, well said, Neil. Thanks for pointing out the typo, and feel free to do so again. I’ve fixed this one.
Thanks for your teaching Mr.Paul
Please I want to know this : in prayers, are you suppose to ask God what you need or ask Him to do for you what He thinks is good for you.
as in: ‘Thy will be done’ on earth
Paul (E2R),
What are ways you feel “blessed” by others on here or elsewhere? Obviously buying your books, prayers, or saying thanks, but can you recall a few ways that really blessed you?
I have recently been listening to a wonderful sermon series by Kerry Kirkwood titled “The Power of Blessing” and another one by Kerry “The Power of Worship”.
Blessings,
Warren
What really blesses the socks off me are the life-changing stories of how God uses my simple message to set a person free from a dark prison. Co-laboring with the Lord is thrilling!
Thanks so much Paul, that was excellent. God is really using you greatly
From what I have learned about God so far is that it is a heart thing with Him. What is in a man’s heart toward Him and toward others is of much greater value, desire, and importance than what they do. A foreshadowing of God’s grace and mercy that we experience today can be found in 2 Samuel 7: 12-15.
What does praying in Jesus name really mean? Can I pray to God the Father without attaching in the name of Jesus Christ. And when I pray directly to Jesus Christ how should I say.
James 4:2 says that you don’t have because you don’t ask.
Will not God ever give us volunteerly what we need. Or is prayer only the condition which allows God to provide.
Plz anybody can explain me what does praying in Jesus name really means. Does it mean praying on the basis of Lord Jesus Christ finished work. Or does it mean praying on the basis of he’s resurrection and he’s ascension to heaven and sitting at right hand of the father. Or does it mean on the basis of he’s perfect life.
The Goodness of God
Hi Paul, what confuses me is that praying the Lord’s prayer including verse 12 is established in many Western churches. Why should we ask God for forgiveness, if he he has already forgiven all of our sins? In Matthew 6, wasn’t Jesus telling his disciples how to pray a good prayer under the old covenant?
Many people are confused about the covenants which is why they ask God to do what he has already done. That’s not what I’m suggesting at all. It’s faithless to ask Jesus to come and die on the cross – he already did. But it is essential that we receive the forgiveness he offers to all.
I love the words of Jesus. Every. Single. One. I’m not one of those preachers who dismiss everything he said pre-cross. Everything in scripture is useful for training in righteousness, and even old covenant shadows can help us understand new covenant realities.
Our father in heaven – who should pray like that ? Not only those who were born again? If yes, then the entire lord’s prayer is still for believer’s and if yes, how do you explain forgive us our sins verse ? If we are forgiven, why Jesus says that we must pray like that ?
God is our heavenly Father whether you are a Jew or Gentile, whether you are living under the old covenant or new, whether you believe it or not. God is the Father “from whom every family in heaven and on earth derives its name” (Eph. 3:15). I discuss that forgiveness verse here.