Praying the Lord’s Prayer
Praying the Lord’s Prayer as a Guide for Daily Prayer
Jesus gave His disciples the Lord’s Prayer not just as a script to recite, but as a framework for how to pray. It teaches us how to connect with God personally, align with His will, seek His provision, walk in forgiveness, and stand in spiritual authority. This prayer can guide our daily time with God in a powerful and meaningful way.
Below is a breakdown of each line of the Lord’s Prayer with practical ways to pray through them and relevant scriptures to deepen our time with the Lord.
“Our Father, who art in heaven…”
Recognize your relationship with Him. Remember that He is not distant—He is your Father. Let your heart rest in His Father-love for you and for those you’re praying for.
“See what kind of love the Father has given to us, that we should be called children of God; and so we are.” — 1 John 3:1 (ESV)
“Hallowed be Thy name…”
Lift up the name of God and reflect on who He is. Pray through His covenant names and what they mean for you today:
He is our Banner
Our Righteousness
Our Provider
Our Healer
Our Peace
Our Sanctifier
Our Shepherd
Pause to meditate on these aspects of His nature and worship Him for who He is.
“Thy Kingdom come, Thy will be done…”
Submit your plans, your desires, and your circumstances to God. Ask for His Kingdom to come in every area of your life—home, workplace, relationships. Pray for His will to be done in your city and nation. Intercede for leaders, for revival, for justice, and for His purposes to prevail. Bring specific areas of concern before Him, along with scripture promises to stand on.
“Give us this day our daily bread…”
Ask God for your practical needs and trust Him as your Provider. This is where we bring our financial concerns, health needs, decisions, and responsibilities before Him, believing for His provision and guidance.
“And forgive us our debts as we forgive our debtors…”
Invite the Holy Spirit to reveal any sin or offense that needs to be confessed. Allow Him to show you where repentance is needed. Then, extend forgiveness to others. Let go of grudges, bitterness, or offense.
“Keep your heart with all vigilance, for from it flow the springs of life.” — Proverbs 4:23 (ESV)
“Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.” — Matthew 5:44 (ESV)
“And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil…”
Ask for spiritual strength to resist temptation and to walk in victory. Use God’s Word as your weapon against the enemy. Cling to truth and guard your heart and mind.
“Fight the good fight of the faith.” — 1 Timothy 6:12 (ESV)
“Take up the whole armor of God.” — Ephesians 6:13 (ESV)
“For Thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory forever.”
End your time in praise and worship. Lift your eyes to the greatness and faithfulness of God. Give Him glory and affirm your trust in His rule and reign over all.
“To Him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb be blessing and honor and glory and might forever and ever!” — Revelation 5:13 (ESV)
Reflection Questions:
What name or attribute of God do you need to focus on in prayer this week?
Is there any area of your life where you need to align more fully with God's will?
Who do you need to forgive—or ask forgiveness from—so that nothing blocks your heart in prayer?