Devotion:
For an audio version of this devotion, click here.
Read Matthew 6:9-13.
Yesterday, we looked at this prayer in Luke’s Gospel. Today, we are reviewing it in “The Gospel According To Matthew.” This writer places it in the middle of what we commonly call the “Sermon On The Mount” in chapters 5-7. It is part of a section of teaching about giving to those in need, prayer and fasting. As with each section, the portion on prayer begins with teaching about not being like those who just want to draw attention to themselves. Then, this “model prayer” is offered.
After the prayer, Matthew includes additional teaching from Jesus about one part of it. Both Jesus and Matthew apparently wanted to emphasize the importance of both receiving and giving forgiveness.
What lines in this prayer mean the most to you? How do you seek to live this prayer in your daily life? For instance, how do you try to live God’s will on earth? How would you say your level of forgiveness compares to that offered to you by God?
The pronouns used in this prayer make it a community prayer, rather than an individual prayer (our, us, we). Anytime you are praying it, even when by yourself, I encourage you to have a sense of other Christians in your church, or even the Church around the world, praying it with you.
According to the Bible I am reading, the footnote at the bottom says that at some point, this line was added to the prayer: “for yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.” Yes Lord; may I and all of us live as if we believe that.
Personal Worship Option:
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