This is the Model Prayer. It is God’s priorities in 63 words. In general, there are three things that we may observe, concerning this divine prayer:
• First, that it contains all we can reasonably and realistically pray for. There is nothing which we have need for, nothing which we can ask for (without offending God), that is not included, either directly or indirectly, in this comprehensive outline for prayer.
• Second, that it contains all we can reasonably and realistically desire. That is, whatever is for the glory of God, and whatever is needful or profitable for all. And indeed, our prayers are the proper test of our desires. What we may not pray for, neither should we desire! What we are not at liberty to pray for, we are not at liberty to desire!
• Third, that it contains all our duty and service to God and man: That is, whatever things are pure and holy; whatever God requires of us; whatever is acceptable in His sight; and whatever may profit our neighbour. Such things are all expressed or implied in this passage.
In these five verses we have what is called “The Lord’s Prayer.” However, when using this title we should remember that Jesus never prayed it Himself. It was given to His disciples as a ‘model’ after which they could pattern their daily prayers. It was not given as the exact words they were to use when praying (verse 7 rules this out), because many words repeated by memory become just empty babbling. The Lord’s Prayer is the model prayer. It’s an outline for personal worship, intercession, petition, warfare and praise, and it covers 7 major topics. Each topic representing a basic human need.
