A Template for Approaching God

Approaching God

Prayer is one of the most powerful tools given to believers, and Jesus Himself demonstrated its significance through the Lord’s Prayer. Found in Matthew 6:9-13 and Luke 11:2-4, the Lord’s Prayer is more than a set of words to recite—it is a model for how Christians can approach God. While there is no “one size fits all” approach to prayer, it can be helpful to have an outline given by Jesus. Through this prayer, Jesus teaches about the nature of God, the needs of humanity, and the importance of faith.

Acknowledging God’s Holiness and Authority

The Lord’s Prayer begins with “Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name.” This opening sets the foundation for prayer by recognizing God’s holiness and sovereignty. Addressing God as “Father” reflects the intimate relationship believers have with Him, while “hallowed be your name” is an act of worship, acknowledging His sacredness. Prayer begins with reverence, aligning the heart with God’s greatness rather than focusing first on personal needs.

Seeking God’s Will

Jesus then teaches, “Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.” This reminds believers that prayer is not just about asking for personal blessings but aligning with God’s divine purpose. True prayer seeks God’s will above personal desires, surrendering to His perfect plan. It also expresses hope for God’s rule to manifest on earth, transforming lives and bringing justice and peace.

Dependence on God for Daily Needs

“Give us this day our daily bread” reflects a deep trust in God’s provision. Jesus teaches that prayer is not about extravagant requests but about relying on God for daily necessities. This line emphasizes dependence on God rather than self-sufficiency. It also encourages gratitude, recognizing that every provision comes from Him.

Seeking Forgiveness and Extending Grace

“And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors.” This part of the prayer highlights the necessity of repentance and forgiveness. Jesus links receiving God’s forgiveness with extending forgiveness to others. Prayer is not only about asking for mercy but also about cultivating a heart that forgives. This reinforces the idea that a relationship with God is interconnected with how believers treat others.

Protection from Temptation and Evil

“And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.” Jesus teaches that prayer should include a plea for spiritual protection. Believers face daily battles against sin and the schemes of the enemy, and prayer is a means of seeking divine strength. This part of the prayer acknowledges human weakness and the need for God’s guidance to resist temptation.

The Power and Glory of God

Many versions of the Lord’s Prayer conclude with, “For yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.” Though not included in all manuscripts, this ending reaffirms God’s supreme authority. It reminds believers that all things belong to God and that He is worthy of all honor and praise.

The Transformative Power of Prayer

The Lord’s Prayer is more than words—it is an invitation to a life of communion with God. Jesus demonstrated that prayer is not about reciting formulas but about heartfelt conversation with the Father. When believers pray as Jesus instructed, they experience peace, alignment with God’s will, and spiritual growth. The power of prayer lies in its ability to bring believers closer to God, transform their hearts, and strengthen their faith.

Jesus gave the Lord’s Prayer as a model, not just to be memorized, but to be lived. When Christians embrace its meaning, they experience the depth of a relationship with God and the life-changing power of prayer.

Approaching God in Prayer — How can we pray for you?

We believe strongly in the power of prayer at KFM Broadcasting, and we would love the opportunity to pray for you as well! Check out our prayer portal and let us know how we can pray for you today. You can leave as much or little as you would like, and after you hit submit our prayer team will be notified to begin praying for you and your needs. We also would love to celebrate with you through praise reports as well!