“In this manner, therefore, pray: Our Father in heaven, Hallowed be Your name. Your kingdom come. Your will be done On earth as it is in heaven.”
Shifting from a critique of inadequate prayer, Jesus now turned to a model prayer (6:9-13). Luke also presented the Lord’s prayer (Lu 11:2-4).
6:9
In this manner, therefore, pray:
This is not the Lord’s Prayer but the disciples’ prayer. The Lord could not pray this prayer. This prayer is a model, not a liturgy. This prayer is brief and simple, yet comprehensive. Note Jesus did not say to recite this prayer word-for-word but to pray “in this manner.” This is a model prayer to establish a pattern for prayer, not a liturgical prayer.
Our Father in heaven,
Prayer begins with worship. The Father meets the needs of His children like a human father. The Father is not confined to creation but transcends the universe. He is sovereign over the universe, yet we have a paternal relationship to Him. We hold His name in reverence in prayer.
Hallowed be Your name.
The word “hallowed” means set apart. We are to set apart God’s name as distinct from other names. We are to honor His name. “Name” refers to personhood and character. His name is special.
6:10
Your kingdom come.
Part of a model prayer is to anticipate the kingdom of Jesus on earth. We should pray that God will fulfill His purpose on earth.
Your will be done On earth as it is in heaven.
Jesus’ kingdom will fulfill God’s will on earth. It is impossible for this to come true today; it will come true when He establishes His kingdom on earth in the future. All prayer yields to God’s purpose and will.
PRINCIPLE:
Jesus will one day fulfill the promise of His kingdom.
APPLICATION:
The Sermon on the Mount was the way of life for disciples during the three years of our Lord’s public ministry. The King was on earth offering His kingdom, but Israel rejected Him as King. The King does not offer the kingdom today because He is in heaven. The Lord’s Prayer was a legitimate prayer while Jesus was on earth but it is not a valid prayer today because the King is in heaven. It is also a valid prayer for those in the coming Tribulation.
Would you expound on this statement? I am not sure that I understand your meaning. "The Lord’s Prayer was a legitimate prayer while Jesus was on earth but it is not a valid prayer today because the King is in heaven."
Stephen, the issue is one of distinction between Israel and the church. The church did not begin until Acts 2. While Jesus was on earth, He operated under the dispensation of Israel. Israel was a national entity while the universal church is an invisible "body." Jesus when He ministered on earth ministered under the economy or dispensation if Israel. Jesus address the disciple's prayer to those functioning under the economy of the nation Israel. Jesus offered Himself as King to Israel but they rejected Him so Jesus turned from Israel to start the church.