Pray, then, in this way:
Our Father who is in heaven,
Hallowed be Your name.
Your kingdom come.
Your will be done,
On earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread.
And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors.
And do not lead us into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.
Matthew 6:9-13 | LSB
Process
Meditate on Meaning
Our Father: Parent to the redeemed and the fatherless; the eternal, others-centered, life-giving Spirit; compassionate, gracious, patient, and full of unrelenting, faithful, devoted love.
…in the skies: Positioned far above our limited perspective of time, and space. A realm without darkness, decay, sickness, hatred, or lies—where faith is finally replaced by sight.
Hallowed be thy name: Holy and unblemished is your reputation, renown, and glory—may you always be set apart, never treated as common. May we never use being made in your image for our own advantage.
Your kingdom come: Make manifest the dominion of the King; your rule, reign, and perfect judgment supersede our own. Overwrite our operating system with your ways.
Your will be done: Your intentions, will, and desires be fully accomplished, with no restrictions.
On earth as it is in the skies: may our inferior, limited world reflect and operate according to your ways and your will
Give us this day our daily bread: Provide all of our needs for this mission, exactly when we need them.
Forgive us our debts: Forgive us when we trust our own will over yours or step outside your dominion. Reveal our hidden faults so we may turn from them, walking fully submitted to and relying on you.
As we also have forgiven our debtors: Just as we have quickly released anyone from our judgment; bring to mind anyone we have not yet forgiven and grant us the grace to forgive them now..
Lead us not into temptation: Do not lead us into a test where our appetites will trap us or betray us into bondage.
And deliver us from evil: If we are tested, save us from the deceiver’s plans, both known and unknown.
Pray through Meaning
Focus on the Father’s character as described. Once you are moved by awe, begin to pray.
Pray the core meaning of the words rather than just reciting them. Look past your default thinking, using your imagination to engage with what these words reveal about God and your relationship with Him.
