Many people call the model prayer in Matthew 6 “The Lord’s Prayer,” but if we truly look at Scripture, John 17 contains the Lord’s actual prayer. In John 17, Jesus speaks to the Father in an intimate, heartfelt way. He prays for Himself, for the disciples, and for all future believers.
John 17:1 says, “Father, the hour has come. Glorify Your Son, that Your Son also may glorify You.”
Here, Jesus prays to the Father concerning His mission on earth and the glory that comes through His obedience.He then prays for the disciples in John 17:15: “I do not pray that You should take them out of the world, but that You should keep them from the evil one.”
Finally, He prays for all who would believe through their word, including us today:
“I do not pray for these alone, but also for those who will believe in Me through their word; that they all may be one, as You, Father, are in Me, and I in You; that they also may be one in Us.” (John 17:20-21)
John 17 reveals the depth of Christ’s relationship with the Father and His desire for unity, protection, and sanctification for His people. This prayer is truly the Lord’s Prayer because it shows Jesus’ heart in direct communication with the Father.
The Model Prayer: Matthew 6
Now, when Jesus teaches His disciples to pray in Matthew 6:9-13, He gives what we call the “Model Prayer” or “The Disciples’ Prayer.” It is a framework for believers on how to pray effectively.
“Our Father in heaven, hallowed be Your name”
This opening line shows us two key truths:
We are addressing God the Father. Jesus consistently prayed to the Father and taught His disciples to do the same.
God is holy (hallowed be Your name). He is to be revered and honored above all.
In prayer, we begin with worship, recognizing God’s position in heaven and His holiness. Psalm 99:9 declares, “Exalt the Lord our God, and worship at His holy hill; for the Lord our God is holy.”
“Your kingdom come. Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.”
Here we submit to God’s authority and will. Prayer is not about bending God to our desires but aligning ourselves with His purpose.
Romans 12:2 reminds us to be transformed and prove what is that “good and acceptable and perfect will of God.”
God’s kingdom is established where His will is done. We pray for His rule and reign in our lives, in our families, and in the world.
“Give us this day our daily bread.”
This demonstrates our dependence on God for daily provision. God cares for our physical needs, and He is our provider.
Philippians 4:19 says, “And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.”
This also echoes Exodus 16 when God provided manna in the wilderness. We are to trust Him daily for what we need and not be anxious.
“And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.”
Here we acknowledge our need for forgiveness. Prayer includes repentance, confessing our sins to the Father.
1 John 1:9 assures us, “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”
We are also called to forgive others. Jesus emphasizes this in Matthew 6:14-15, where He says, “For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you.”
“And do not lead us into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.”
This part of the prayer is about protection. We ask God to help us stand firm against temptation and spiritual attacks.
1 Corinthians 10:13 reminds us that God provides a way of escape in every temptation.
We also acknowledge the reality of spiritual warfare, as seen in Ephesians 6:12: “For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age.”
“For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.”
The prayer closes in praise, recognizing God’s eternal kingdom, power, and glory. It re-centers our hearts on who He is and His glory.
Praying to the Father in the Name of Jesus
Jesus teaches us to pray to the Father in His name. This practice comes directly from Scripture:
John 14:13-14: “And whatever you ask in My name, that I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If you ask anything in My name, I will do it.”
John 16:23: “Most assuredly, I say to you, whatever you ask the Father in My name He will give you.”
Praying “in Jesus’ name” means we come to God through the authority of Jesus Christ. We do not approach God based on our merit but through Jesus, who is our Mediator.
1 Timothy 2:5 says, “For there is one God and one Mediator between God and men, the Man Christ Jesus.”
When we pray to the Father in Jesus’ name, we are acknowledging His sacrifice, His intercession, and His role as the way to the Father (John 14:6).
What is Prayer?
At its core, prayer is simply talking with God. It is a form of communication and communion with our heavenly Father.
1 Thessalonians 5:17 tells us to “pray without ceasing.” This shows prayer is not limited to formal settings but is an ongoing dialogue with God.
Philippians 4:6 encourages us, “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God.”
Prayer builds our relationship with God, strengthens our faith, and aligns our hearts with His.
My Final Thoughts
The model prayer in Matthew 6 teaches us how to approach God with reverence, dependence, repentance, and praise. However, John 17 gives us a glimpse into Jesus’ own prayer life—a heartfelt communication with the Father on behalf of His mission and His people.
We are called to pray to the Father, in Jesus’ name, because He is our Mediator and access to God. Prayer is not about rituals or formulas; it’s about honest and constant communication with our heavenly Father. Whether we are praising Him, asking for provision, seeking forgiveness, or asking for protection, prayer connects us to the heart of God.
Let us embrace this privilege of prayer with confidence, knowing that He hears us and is faithful to answer.
