Within the pages of this eBook is the evidence that the account that our Lord gave in Matthew’s Gospel that is commonly called “The Lord’s Prayer” is actually “The Model Prayer.” The elements of the Model Prayer are given in the first chapter. The Model Prayer is then re-examined in the final chapter to compare just how much applied and what did not apply to Jesus prayer in John 17, which is the real Lord’s Prayer.
This was originally presented to the Mayfield Drive Baptist Church during the Wednesday Evening Bible Study by the author. It was promised to the congregation that the presentations would be put in an eBook. This is fulfilment of that promise.
If someone desires a printed copy, please email International Missionary Baptist Publications at director@imbmpodcasts.com for costs. The cost is only what is needed to print a copy.
Joseph F. Roberts, ThD, PhD
Director
International Missionary Baptist Ministries
Chief Editor
International Missionary Baptist Publications 3
The Model Prayer
TEXT: Matthew 6:9-15 9 After this manner therefore pray ye: Our
Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. 10 Thy
kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. 11
Give us this day our daily bread. 12 And forgive us our debts, as
we forgive our debtors.13 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. 14 For if ye forgive men their trespasses,
your heavenly Father will also forgive you: 15 But if ye forgive not
men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your
trespasses.
Introduction: Prayer is one of the most powerful weapons that a child of God has at his disposal, yet it is one of the most unused and misused tool as well. We have to be taught how to pray. We do not know automatically how to pray just because we are saved.
This is the reason Jesus included in His Sermon on the Mount instructions on how to pray. This is the “Model Prayer” not the
“Lord’s Prayer” as many call it, and I will say more about that in just a moment. The aim of this message is to present to you the need to be taught how to pray and how the Lord taught His disciples.
I. THE APPROACH.
Luke’s account prefaces the Model Prayer with the record of a disciple’s request of the Lord to teach them to pray, Luke 11:1. And
it came to pass, that, as he was praying in a certain place, when
he ceased, one of his disciples said unto him, Lord, teach us to
pray, as John also taught his disciples.
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Jesus had set the example in prayer and that encouraged His disciples. They were conscious of the need for training in this area.
It is sad to realize this type of training is greatly overlooked today.
Some say, “Just pray what is on your heart.” However, prayer should be as God’s Word teaches. That is what the Model Prayer is all about.
The Model Prayer is often is used in violation of the Lord’s admonition against vain repetitions. Some feel there is value in reciting it over and over in prayer. This is certainly odd, in view of the fact only one verse separates the admonition and the Model Prayer.
The Model Prayer is commonly called the Lord’s Prayer, but the Lord’s Prayer is found in John 17. The Model Prayer is for believer’s instruction. The Lord committed no sins; therefore, He could not pray the Model Prayer. The Model Prayer teaches believers how to pray.
After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in
heaven, Hallowed be thy name. (Matthew 6:9) The Way Jesus taught is direct. No device is needed to get God’s attention. There is no need to go through someone else to talk to Him. He is the saint’s spiritual Father. He is the Father-God, to Whom each believer may go directly.
Prayer is reverent. Hallowed be thy name indicates we need an attitude of reverence toward God in prayer. This takes prayer out of the realm of begging and places it on the level of worship.
II. THE SUBMISSION.
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One who genuinely prays should be submissive to the Lord and His will. This is what Christ taught in the Model Prayer. Thy kingdom
come. Thy will be done in earth, as it in heaven, Matthew 6:10.
This removes prayer from the area of self to God and His cause.
True prayer is unselfish. Many cannot pray in this manner, because they have no concern or involvement in the Lord’s work. Thy
kingdom come emphasizes that sphere over which the Lord reigns.
The fact is there are still many who do not want Him to reign over them.
The believer’s major concern in prayerful petition should be God’s work. Before praying about other matters, we should pray for God’s cause. Christ needs to reign in hearts, lives, homes, churches, and governments. That should be one’s great concern.
One day He shall reign in and over all things on earth as KING OF
KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS, Revelation 19:16. In the meantime, God’s people should pray for His reign to be over more than it is now. This is even a problem in many churches. Not every member accepts the reign of Christ over his life. Consequently, the Lord asks, And why call ye me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which
I say? (Luke 6:46). In other words, many are not willing to pray about God’s work, because they are not willing to work in it. Thy
will be done in earth, as it is in heaven is a glorious prospect. In Heaven God’s directive will is done perfectly, but that is not true on earth. Therefore, there is always a need for more praying along this line. Also, we cannot expect much progress in this area until we are willing first for God’s will to be done in our lives.
III. THE NEEDS.
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After prayerful petition regarding God’s work, we may petition God for personal needs. The Lord taught His disciples to pray for daily necessities. Give us this day our daily bread, Matthew 6:11. This places our life in the very hands of God to provide needs. It does not set aside the obligation to work for a living, but it does teach the saved to have faith in God to provide. It is clear Paul believed that. But my God shall supply your need according to his riches in
glory by Christ Jesus, Philippians 4:19.
There is also the personal need of forgiveness. Jesus taught His people to pray for forgiveness.
And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors, Matthew 6:12. To forgive means to erase or to wipe the slate clean. Debts refer to failures or sins. When God forgives, He erases the debt.
He regards it paid. He forgives and forgets. If we confess our sins,
he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from
all unrighteousness, I John 1:9.
There is the personal need of deliverance from evil. 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, Matthew 6:13. This is a caution and a safeguard against future sins. It heads off things before there is a need for forgiveness. Deliverance is available. There hath no temptation taken you but such as is
common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be
tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also
make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it, I Corinthians 10:13.
The majestic conclusion of the Model Prayer ascribes all power and glory to God to rule over His kingdom.
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IV. THE EXPLANATION.
At the close of the Model Prayer, the Lord explained one part of it, the matter of forgiving others. For if ye forgive men their
trespasses, your heavenly father will also forgive you: but if ye
forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive
your trespasses, Matthew 6:14, 15. It is apparent by His comment the spirit of forgiveness is a characteristic of a child of God. Perhaps the Lord explained this one petition, because there tends to be a weakness toward an unforgiving spirit. The Lord taught Peter a believer should forgive as often as necessary.
Then came Peter to him, and said, Lord, how oft shall my brother
sin against me, and I forgive him? Till seven times? Jesus saith
unto him, I say not unto thee, Until seven times: but, Until seventy
times seven, Matthew 18:21, 22. Then the Lord illustrated the principle of forgiveness in a parable found in the same chapter, verses 23-35. Also, forgiveness should be …even as God for Christ’s
sake hath forgiven you, Ephesians 4:32. It should be …even as
Christ forgave, so also do ye, Colossians 3:13. That places the spirit of a believer’s forgiveness on a high level. After all, the Sermon on the Mount is a call to a higher level of ethical and moral conduct.
Conclusion: A vital part of the Lord’s explanation of the principle of forgiveness of daily sins depends much upon his attitude of forgiveness toward others. Eternal forgiveness or salvation of the soul is not in question. Fellowship with God is.
What is your attitude toward forgiveness? Do you have a forgiving spirit? If not, you should get your heart right with God now, not later.
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THE LORD’S PRAYER