Matthew 6:9-13
King James Version (KJV)
After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.  Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.  Give us this day our daily bread.  And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.
And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.

This morning as we repeated this prayer, which is beautiful and given to us by Jesus Himself.   For the who knows how many times, it breaks my heart that we pray it by rote.

Not understanding He was teaching us how to pray, not a prayer.  Paul also teaches us in Philippians 4:6:
King James Version (KJV)
Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.  (praise, requests, thanksgiving)

As our Lord taught:
Our Father which art in heaven,

First comes acknowledgement of where the Father is:
Above us, bigger, more powerful, the One in control.

Secondly, praise:
Hallowed be thy name. 
Hallowed means:
to render sacred, to consecrate (Ex. 28:38; 29:1). This word is from the Saxon, and properly means “to make holy.” The name of God is “hallowed”, i.e., is reverenced as holy (Matt. 6:9).  Easton’s Bible Dictionary

To realize and proclaim His Majesty,  magnify His Holiness,  Righteousness,  Worthiness. …shout to the Lord……let Him know your love.

Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.

Third:  Acknowledge it is His will not ours that we want for our lives and allow Him to mold and make us into His image.

Give us this day our daily bread. 

Forth:  We have gotten the Fathers attention:
Now we remind Him of our needs.
Isaiah 65:24
And it shall come to pass, that before they call, I will answer; and while they are yet speaking, I will hear.

Fifth,  Forgiveness:

And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.

We ask for forgiveness and remind Him we have forgiven those who have used us wrongly.

Sixth,
And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil:

The Lord alows us to be tested,  so we can prove our love and faithfulness,  He will deliver,  if we turn to Him.

Seventh,
For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.

We end with more praise and thanksgiving, the acknowledgement of His Supreme Authority and Worth.

It is great that we know this prayer but more importantly that we know how and what to pray.

Lord teach us to pray.

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