What Jesus Did! 'Model Prayer' — Matthew 6:9-13

Tuesday, March 11, 2025

[Jesus continued:] "Pray like this:

"Our Father in heaven,
may your name be kept holy.
May your Kingdom come soon.
May your will be done on earth,
as it is in heaven.
Give us today the food we need,
and forgive us our sins,
as we have forgiven those who sin against us.
And don't let us yield to temptation,
but rescue us from the evil one."

— Matthew 6:9-13 NLT

Key Thought

Much has been written about Jesus' model prayer. Rather than something to be blindly recited, this is a short guide for disciples on how to pray. The prayer easily divides into two parts: First, we recognize the inestimable greatness of God, and then second, we recognize our dependency on him. As the previous verses indicate (Matthew 6:6, 8), God is our Father, whom we can approach freely as Father, while at the same time revering his holiness. The first three petitions ask God to accomplish his ultimate will in our world and reveal his holy purposes to all people. The second three acknowledge our need for sustenance, forgiveness, and strength to face the rigors of daily spiritual and physical life. Bottom line: Prayer doesn't need to be eloquent but reverent of God, penitent before God, and dependent on God while approaching him with confidence as his children.

Today's Prayer

Holy and tender Father, I pray that you exert your power in our world and work your will in irrefutable and glorious ways. I trust you to fill my daily needs as I depend on your mercy and grace to forgive me and empower me to forgive. May my life be used in your service to accomplish your will. In the name of Jesus, I pray. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

Have thoughts on this devotional? Leave a comment

53 Related Resources by Heartlight

Teach Us to Pray 06: Kingdom Come
Article by Phil Ware
While we see glimpses of our universe's awe-inspiring beauty, variety, and magnificence, we also are witnesses of its brokenness. Phil Ware with Chad Higgins help us understand and commit to praying for God's Kingdom to come.
Teach Us to Pray 13: Ending Praise
Article by Phil Ware
For many, the added ending is not a good thing, and it is certainly NOT a 'Jesus thing'! Phil Ware with Doug Peters help us finish our study of The Lord's Prayer and focus on how it points us to the 'coolest" Father of all.
Invitation to the Great House of God
Article by Max Lucado
He's already preparing a place for you, so why not accept his invitation? Max Lucado invites us to look at the beautiful Lord's Prayer and see it as the blueprint to the Great House of God prepared for us -- not just later, but now -- as his children.
Teach Us to Pray 05: Holy Presence
Article by Phil Ware
We cry out together, as Jesus' followers and family, for God's holiness to make itself known in undeniable ways in our fallen world. Phil Ware and Andy Johnson remind us how important reverencing God is when we pray.
See All 53 Related Resources about Matthew 6:9-13

Illustration

Illustration of Matthew 6:9-13 NLT — "Pray like this: "

Other Devotionals from Heartlight for Tuesday, March 11, 2025

Spiritual Warfare
A daily devotional about God's power for our battles.
'God Protects Those Who Seek Him For Safety'
"Those who go to God Most High for safety will be protected by the Almighty. I will say to the Lord, "You are my place of safety and protection. You..."
Today's Verse
A daily devotional featuring a Bible verse, thought and prayer.
1 John 4:20-21
"If anyone says, "I love God," yet hates his brother, he is a liar. For anyone who does not love his brother, whom he has seen, cannot love God, whom he has not...."
A Year with Jesus
A devotional to help reclaim Jesus as the daily Lord of our lives.
'Savior of the World'
"Dear Beloved, The Father loves you so much that He sent Me to your world to show you His love. The goal of God's love is your salvation —..."
Unstoppable!
A one-year devotional guide through the book of Acts.
'Growing into a New Future' (Acts 1:14-15)
"[The disciples] all met together and were constantly united in prayer, along with Mary the mother of Jesus, several other women, and the brothers of....."

About This Devotional

What Jesus Did! is a series of one-year devotional guides through each gospel, using one short scripture passage each day and following the Gospel in sequential order. Each devotional consists of a scripture passage and a reflection and a prayer which open up the day's scripture and show how it challenges you to live for Jesus.

What Jesus Did! is written by Phil Ware and is available in book form.

Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

More What Jesus Did!