Matthew 6:9 Commentary and Bible Study

In Luke, the Lord’s prayer is introduced by the disciples’ request that the Lord teach them how to pray. Some treat it as liturgical, but we prefer the old nonconformist view that it is intended as a pattern prayer, headings for prayer. ‘In this manner’ pray, says the Lord. Nowhere is it reproduced in the New Testament in any of the many examples of prayer. It is a short prayer which covers a great many matters, all of which could be expanded on, and each one will be developed according to circumstances. It is given to teach the disciples to pray in general and not just to provide a form of words; prayer must involve much thought and real sense of need. When it is simply recited, it is too easy to turn off the mind. Rather, it suggests the content and mood for all prayer. Christians need to be taught by the Lord how to pray: ‘This is how you must approach me.’ Prayer is such an essential part of our lives and it is so important to address God in the right manner that the disciples naturally asked for help. The greater the person we address, the more careful we must be to get our words right. Prayer is indeed a very intimate and familiar approach to God, but we should never forget how great he is. It teaches an order in prayer. Jesus is not suggesting this is the only order, an exclusive order – we have other prayers in the Bible which follow a different order, such as the Acts prayer for leaders in prison: a pressing need then demanded a different order – but he teaches us to set our priorities correctly. First we remember our relationship to God, we ask for the things that concern him – the advance of his kingdom and his testimony – before we ask for our own needs. Then we may ask for our daily bread for God, who made us, knows that we are dependent on him and is pleased that we bring every aspect of our lives to him.‘Our Father which art in heaven.’ This opening phrase helps us to prepare. God is our Father through creation, through the new birth. He is approachable. We are his children, made in his image. We have a relationship with him and know his paternal kindness – a father gives and the child is not taken by surprise. A father is not a force, but a responsive person. He is intelligible to us; a father has deep knowledge of his child: their weaknesses and strengths. He regards us as children and will always receive us. He works to put food on the table. Children misbehave, and are perhaps rude, but their father does not hold it against them permanently. He may have to punish sin severely, but can be very kind. He will forgive my sin. A father entitled to the trust of the child. A father has standards and they have to be observed. He tells you what to do, not the other way round. If we demote God – ‘I will run my own life’ – you are not coming to him as a father. Through him you were born; you owe him your life. Do I consult the Father in the major decisions of life? Have I prayed over it, submitted to the will of God? Fatherhood speaks of eternal security; he will never be any other than your Father. These things not only encourage but regulate our approach to God. We pray to ‘Our Father’. He is the Father of every soul ever born. We are bound to pray in the light of the fact he has other children. Do I have a proper relationship with others or am I prone to be critical? ‘Which art in heaven.’ How can I pray if I’m taken up with the earth? God dwells outside this universe. It is beyond us to fully know him. He is all-powerful, infinite, eternal. Why does he want us? He must stoop to hear our prayers. He is made of spirit. What does God tell me about himself? He has revealed himself authoritatively. We cannot touch, see, or hear him audibly. Prayer to him is not a mystical act, so that we feel a link to him – that is emotionalism or mysticism. Yes, he does comfort us and there is something to feel and he assures us comfort is our hearts, but no felt mystical contact. We must be careful to approach him as he has revealed himself. All this is preparation for prayer. God is above and outside, beyond time and the whole created order. He is Lord over time. He knows all that has and will happen to us. He is the God of holiness. He is outside of this world. This universe is a speck in his view.‘Hallowed be thy name’ – consecrated, revered be thy name. I must come with reverence. This is the first real petition – that God should be worshipped as he deserves. By contrast we are to be humbled before him. There is no greater being – ‘Tremble, thou earth, at the presence of the Lord’ (Psalm 114:7). His name is not just an ID tag, but representation for all his attributes. I admire him, and rehearse his attributes. I ask they may be grasped by many more.