True blessing is being forgiven by God the Father (Psalm 32:1). Thankfully our God is a forgiving God full of grace and compassion. So much so, that Jonah ran away in an attempt to hinder God from forgiving the people of Nineveh (Jonah 4:2). Jonah knew the loving and patient nature of God would result in the repentance of Nineveh and their forgiveness. God is truly a forgiving God but sometimes we doubt God’s forgiveness. This could be because of our difficult circumstances or our struggle with sin. There could be sins we can’t shake the feeling of guilt. But God can forgive any sin we commit completely.

“Forgive us” (Luke 11:4) It’s a little strange for Jesus to use the word “us”. Is Jesus including himself in this prayer and asking for forgiveness? Does this mean Jesus is a sinner? Absolutely not. Jesus was perfect and never committed a sin, the sinless Messiah, the spotless Lamb (1 Peter 2:22). John the Baptist knew that he was the one who needed to be baptized by Jesus meaning John was the sinner and Jesus was the holy Son of God (Matthew 3:13-14). Yet, John baptized Jesus, not because Jesus was a sinner, but to fulfill all righteousness as a man (Matthew 3:15). In a similar way, Jesus died on the cross as a man, in our place, sinless but with our sin (Hebrews 2:14,4:15). Jesus was saying “Forgive us” because He needed forgiveness. In actuality, our forgiveness is only possible through Jesus Christ.

So in what way does Jesus use the word “us”? In this prayer, when Jesus says “Forgive us our sins”, He is including Himself relationally. Jesus fully experienced and accomplished His work as a man, such as baptism and death, all without sin. Also in prayer, as our representative, Jesus is taking up two roles of the mediator and the substitute (1 Timothy 2:5; 2 Corinthians 5:21). Jesus never sinned but as our mediator and substitute, Jesus takes our sin, not His sin, but our sin, upon Himself. As a result, God treated Jesus as if our sin was His and punished Him on the cross. This is why Jesus says “us”, even though the sin is not His but ours. He puts Himself in our place. Therefore, in Jesus, we are fully forgiven. We can know more deeply God’s forgiveness as we trust in Jesus’ work on the cross (Psalm 32:10).

God’s forgiveness is supernatural. His forgiveness is truly a miracle accomplished by His divine power. Miracles do not happen every day but when they do happen they are effective. When Jesus healed the person was instantly and fully healed. A true miracle is astounding because it is surprising and wonderful, so naturally, people get excited about miracles. Why are we not similarly excited about a sinner’s forgiveness? When we hear that a person repents and becomes a Christian we act like it’s normal. This is because we have a light view of sin. We forget that sin grieves God and is offensive to Him. It is more than a disobedient act. Sin is not something we can defeat and it’s gone but sin is our nature.

What is sin? Sin is any attitude, thought, or deed against God and His law. It is an act of rebellion and hatred against God. It is deliberate treason against the majesty of God. We sin because we are sinners. Sin is not an accident or unintentional. It is a serious crime. It is an abuse of the freedom God has given us. Sin is unbelief. Our fallen nature continually leads us into more carnality. Sin begets more sin. There is nothing nice or good about our sins.

In Luke 11:4, Jesus uses the word hamartias for sin which means missing the mark. It conjures the image of an archer aiming his bow and missing the target. Sin is godlessness or the absence of righteousness (Leviticus 10:3). Sin is a transgression, an overstepping and doing what you should not do (Leviticus 10:1). All sin leads to death (Ephesians 2:1). Sin is the iniquity which means “a guilt worthy of punishment”. Some sin is an abomination that God hates the most (Proverbs 6:16-19). Notice in Proverbs 6, that the abominations are not typically what we would think God hates the most.

Sin is also a debt. This is why sin weighs you down and drains you of your joy and strength. We owe God immensely. The worst part of debt is the interest which keeps growing and growing. When we look at the servant with overwhelming debt, we see the harsh reality of debt, the pain, and the consequence of sin (Matthew 18:24-25). The servant and his entire family were about to be sold as slaves to pay off his debt. Be assured that sin’s debt will always demand a payment, whether in this life or the next (Numbers 32:23). When sin happens, there is guilt. No amount of blaming others or rationalizing, no amount of excusing will remove your guilt. You cannot negotiate with God. You cannot escape sin or its consequences. Sin curses you, cutting you off from the presence of God. His blessings are withheld from the sinner. How horrible sin is.

However, hope is in Jesus Christ. Through Jesus, we have redemption in His blood and the forgiveness of sin. This is why forgiveness is a miracle.

“God demands that justice be done. The price must be paid. The debt will be paid in full, in both a pecuniary sense (monetary) and a penal (moral) sense. He judges our crime. Our crime is punished. The debt is paid. God does not negotiate His justice. Yet at the same time, our debt and the punishment for our crime are paid by a Substitute. Thus the cross shows both perfect justice and perfect mercy.” – R. C. Sproul

How can we be forgiven? Through the cross of Jesus Christ. Jesus was cut off and cursed on our behalf. He was forsaken so that we might be forgiven. You must be surprised at your forgiveness. Our forgiveness truly is a miracle. God forgives us! Be amazed and rejoice.

Anyone who is in the Lord is called children of God. But how anyone becomes a child of God can be understood when a sinner has personally realized their sinful nature and identity as a child of the devil. God alone is able and change the nature of the sinner by transforming their heart and adopting them into his family when the sinner repents and believes in their heart that Jesus is Lord (Jn. ‭1‬:‭12). 

When God receives us as his own, it is God’s volition and willingness to hold onto something good. It also emphasizes assurance. Ultimately, it is in reference to those who have denied themselves and follow Jesus Christ are the ones who have received him. To them, God gives them the right to become his sons and daughters. Therefore, a child of God is special because he is the one that has planned and chosen them to become children of God (Jn. 1:13). If left to people’s own volition, they won’t desire to become God’s children and remain in sin leading to destruction. 

God the Father’s love and heart restore and bring the repentant sinner into his family without hesitation as illustrated in the parable of the prodigal son (Lk. 15:11-32). ”For you have not received a spirit of slavery leading to fear again, but you have received a spirit of adoption as sons by which we cry out, “Abba! Father!”” (Rom. 8:15). There are two witnesses that prove we are the children of God: the inner man and the Holy Spirit. 

The inner man bears witness that we are children of God in these ways:

• In our hearts, there is a real affection and love for God the Father as we are adopted into his family following our conversion. Only Christians are able to have a relationship with the living God.
• We also have deep trust in the Lord no matter the circumstances. Regardless of external factors, the Christian trusts in the Father and finds peace in him.
• The inner man has a longing and desire to know God more because there is nothing else that can satisfy him.
• There is also assurance of salvation and our faith even in the midst of doubt and spiritual warfare. 

The Holy Spirit bears witness that we are children of God in these ways:

• Through Scripture, the Spirit who is the author of it, confirms the adoption that takes place at our conversions. The Holy Spirit instructs the Christian through the Word of God to always enlighten and lead to a deeper understanding of God throughout their walk. 
• The Holy Spirit initiates a love and desire to pray for those who are around us, including our enemies. 
• It is a miracle to become children of God. By the grace of God, the sinner is saved and adopted into his family.
• God does not refer to the angels as children of God but only humans who turn to Christ for their forgiveness and salvation. 
• The blood of Jesus Christ flows through every believer. 

As children of God changed by the Holy Spirit from the inside out, they must be men of conviction that Jesus is returning and that we will become like him in glory. They must be a man of hope based on the Word of God. Only this way can they shine the light of God as they continue to hope even through adversity. True hope in Christ always brings believers back to him. Moreover, they must be a man of sanctification by devoting themselves to obeying Scripture in all circumstances.

Forgiveness is such an important truth and practice. Without God’s forgiveness, we do not have salvation or hope. In addition, without God’s forgiveness, we cannot forgive others. The forgiveness of God is amazingly wonderful and the foundation of our hope. Out of all of man’s problems, sin is our biggest. Only God can forgive sins and free us from the power of sin (Acts 2:38). Sin is so powerful. It plagues us with guilt, wearing down the joy and peace in life. When we sin, we have guilt and when others sin against us, we harbor bitterness and resentment. Sin is destructive wherever it manifests. We must understand we sin against the holy God and require His forgiveness.

In verse 4, right after teaching us to pray for our daily bread, Jesus teaches us to ask for God’s forgiveness. Just as we need daily bread, we need God’s forgiveness daily for our spiritual nourishment. This is because we sin daily. So understanding your fallenness and seeking God’s forgiveness is a sign of a healthy Christian who is receiving spiritual nourishment every day. In fact, the sign of a mature Christian is not a boastful righteousness but a daily humble seeking of forgiveness. The more mature Christians are, the more they realize how sinful they are and how much they need God’s forgiveness. Even though we are sinners, we can be confident in seeking God’s forgiveness. We are like the prodigal son, whose restoration began with his realization of his sin and seeking the loving compassion of his father (Luke 15:18,20). A mature Christian realizes we are like the prodigal every day.

What is forgiveness? The word forgiveness denotes to cut off, to separate, or to let go. To be forgiven by God means our sin is taken away, we are separated from our sin, and God no longer holds it against us anymore. Previously, we were separated from God because of our sins. But when we are forgiven we are with God and separated from sin. Like the scapegoat in Leviticus or as far as the east is from the west, our sins are sent far away (Psalm 103:12). How wonderful!

When God forgives, he commits to forget, never to revisit it again. In His grace, the omniscient God does not remember our sins (Isaiah 43:25). His forgiveness is absolute. His forgiveness is also abundant, coming first ahead of His wrath and in great amounts (Romans 5:20). His forgiveness is real and actual, not merely lip service. Look at Apostle Paul who was formerly a blasphemer and persecutor of the church (1 Timothy 1:13). How could he become an apostle and beloved child of God without real and true forgiveness (1 Corinthians 15:10)? Due to God’s forgiveness Apostle Paul was supplied with daily strength and motivation to serve God faithfully.

God’s forgiveness of our sins is eternal. You must know the forgiveness of God to practice forgiving others. How can our relationships be characterized by forgiveness?

God’s forgiveness is only possible through a sinner’s repentance. God is always ready to forgive anyone, anywhere. That’s why Jesus’ message from the beginning was repentance. Repentance is to turn from your sinful life and to hold onto Jesus with wholehearted devotion. Repentance is not mere lip service but a wrestling deep within the soul, a conviction born by the Holy Spirit. It is more than remorseful emotions, more than mental acknowledgement but a dramatic turning to God in the fear of God. In true repentance, you feel the wickedness and hopelessness of your sin before the Holy God while also realizing only Jesus can save you. True repentance is the work of the Holy Spirit transforming one’s soul from a desire towards sin to glorifying and worshipping Jesus.

Therefore forgiveness only comes through Jesus. If your repentance and forgiveness is 99.9% of God but 0.1% of your contribution, then you are damned (Acts 13:38-39). We contribute nothing to our forgiveness, we pay no part of the ransom or reparation. This is because God is holy and demands perfection which is only found in Jesus Christ (Hebrews 2:14, 1 Timothy 2:5). Only through Jesus can a sinner be forgiven.

God’s forgiveness is unlimited. There is no sin no matter how dark or how large that God cannot forgive. No person is too wicked or too lost. Jesus carried every single sin, past, present, and future, of every believer. Jesus cried out to God as forsaken while bearing our sins on the cross. He wasn’t forsaken for some of our sins but for every sin. Each and every one of those sins, no matter how bad, is completely forgiven. This was proven by Jesus’ resurrection. “Though your sins be as scarlet, they will be white as snow”. It doesn’t matter how wicked your crimes may be and how stained you are with guilt, God can make you new and clean. God is able to forgive and save.

God’s forgiveness is not measured by feelings. There is a huge gap between God’s forgiveness and your feeling of His forgiveness. Many people complain that they don’t feel forgiven even though they know they are. This is because they haven’t fully repented yet. What’s more important than feeling forgiven is believing and obeying because you are forgiven. God’s forgiveness is the truth and objective (1 John 2:1).

God’s forgiveness is immediate. God does not need time to evaluate before forgiving someone. There is no “grace period” or probation. The moment you repent you are forgiven because the Holy Spirit is there. The moment you repent you are forgiven and part of the kingdom of God (Mark 1:15, Romans 8:1).

God’s forgiveness is promised. God is immutable which means He never changes His nature or His mind. He never breaks His promise. Man changes all the time and we fail to keep our promises. Before being the spark of the Reformation, Martin Luther was driven crazy by his guilt and obsession to be forgiven. He would constantly be in the confession booth, and the stress of guilt caused his body to fall sick. One time he climbed the stairs at St Peter’s Basilica on his knees, saying a prayer on every step, seeking forgiveness. When he had reached the top he questioned whether it had worked. Martin Luther had failed to realize God’s promise of forgiveness in Romans 1:17. “The righteous shall by faith” which means we are made righteous (forgiven) through faith in Jesus Christ. God promises to forgive and He never fails to. If God forgives then you are truly righteous.

God’s forgiveness is free. No cost to us. This does not mean it is cheap. God paid the ultimate price but He gives it for free to us because He is gracious and merciful. The gospel is freely offered to the poor (Luke 4:18). Just come and receive the grace of God (Isaiah 55:1).

God’s forgiveness is complete. There is no trace of sin left. God looks at a sinner and sees the righteousness of Jesus Christ. They are white as snow.

You cannot buy God’s forgiveness. It cannot be earned. If you were to die tonight what can you present to God? We can only depend on God’s forgiveness. If you are forgiven, then you are surely forgiven completely and for all eternal. How can forgiveness be obtained? We must simply ask. If we are forgiven, then we forgive others.

God is transcendent and knows best how to deal with the daily needs of each believer. God is able to provide and continually ahead according to verse 3. Does this translate to gratitude toward God as we receive our daily sustenance? If we forget God, we do not demonstrate our trust and dependence on him. 

Why do we pray for our daily bread? Living in America, we often think we do not depend daily on our sustenance because food is readily available. Jesus, as a man, also needed daily food just as we do, and he prayed to the Father for provision and gave thanks. In the same manner, we must pray and depend on the Father in humility. Praying for our daily bread implies several things as we are under the whole counsel of God in Scripture.

Everything belongs to the Lord; nothing is ours. Every problem occurs with rejecting God’s ownership and thinking certain things belong to us (Psa. 24:1; 1 Tim. 6:7; Psa. 34:10). It is foolishness to think that everything is provided and blessed by God, which makes us stewards of his provisions (Lk. 12:18-21). So, it is God’s gift to us that we have our daily bread because without God providing it, nothing is guaranteed. 

Christians are pilgrims and merely sojourning through this world on our way to heaven. In our pilgrimage, there are a myriad of challenges believers face and go through. But through it all, we must have an attitude of needing our daily bread because this world is not our permanent residence. Prayer for sustaining our bodies to remove our worries and anxieties is all we need.

Praying for our daily bread is a sign of being a true Christian. Being poor in spirit is total dependence and faith in God regardless of our financial situation. Jesus practiced being poor in spirit (Lk. 22:42). As God’s people, their trust and reliance become directed only to the Father. Dependence on our efforts or anything through worldly means must be removed. 

Prayer for our daily bread is for the brethren as much as it is for our own needs. Jesus did not pray only for himself, but he prayed for everyone’s needs. Even though we pray in this way for God to provide the daily needs of our fellow believers, it does not condone laziness. Prayer is trust and obedience. They are not exclusive. Diligence must be a characteristic of all Christians (2 Thess. 3:10). Jesus exemplified prayer and obedience as he always acted according to his prayers.

Prayer for our daily bread is a sign of obedience. Jesus said to pray daily, not weekly or monthly. As we pray daily to God, it is in a way to test God. And as God provides daily, he exemplifies his daily faithfulness. Jesus knows that the Father is faithful and he desires each believer to experience the blessings of his faithfulness. His omniscience and omnipotence are directly related to his faithfulness as he knows each one’s needs and he is able to fulfill those needs. Consequently, Christians who obey and experience God’s faithfulness daily become content with whatever he provides (Phil. 4:12-19). 

Our daily bread belongs to God alone, so we are to pray continuously daily. Jesus commands us to pray in this way because God is our Shepherd and we are his sheep. Let us know our Shepherd more and grow in our dependence on him daily.

The Lord’s prayer begins with addressing God as our Father. Whenever we pray we must see God as our Father who is perfect, divine, holy, loving, and infinite. The first petition to our Father in heaven is ‘Hallowed be Your name’. God has many wonderful names and we worship Him according to His attributes. The second petition is ‘Your kingdom come’. This petition is actually the point of Jesus’ coming to earth, to bring the kingdom of God.

What is the kingdom of God?

First, the kingdom of God the Father is the same as the kingdom of Jesus the Son. Like the kingdom of God, the kingdom of Jesus is eternal and both the Father and the Son are working (2 Peter 1:11, John 5:17-18). It is very clear that Jesus claimed to be God the Son and with the same kingdom. All the different terms for the kingdom are just different ways to refer to the kingdom of God for different audiences.

Generally speaking, all of God’s creation is God’s kingdom because God is sovereign. He owns and rules over all things (Psalm 103:19). Narrowly speaking is the spiritual rule over the hearts and minds of those who submit to His authority. In other words, every Christian who has the Holy Spirit in their heart is the kingdom of God. The signs of a Christian are one who repents and believes in the Gospel of Jesus Christ who obeys and honors God with their lives and follows the rules of God’s government. Before we are American or a citizen of any country, the identity of a Christian is a citizen of the kingdom of God.

The kingdom of God also refers to the future millennial kingdom as it is mentioned in Daniel 2:44 and Revelation 20:4. This is the future nation where Jesus will be physically reigning on earth for 1000 years in Jerusalem and His eternal kingdom.

Jesus ushers in the beginning of the kingdom of God (Luke 11:20). By His miracles and gospel message He brought the kingdom of God from heaven to earth. The same applies to us, as we heard the gospel of Jesus and the Holy Spirit entered our hearts, then we entered the kingdom of God. That is why we trust and obey Him. We have nothing to fear in this world because our king is Jesus. He is the great and mighty King who stands strong which means we can also stand strong in any situation. So we deny ourselves, take up our cross and follow Him (Luke 9:23) because He is our King. It is by denying ourselves and following Him His gracious and loving rule that is manifested in our lives.

We must remember what we all once were before we were in the kingdom of God. We were under the kingdom of Satan (John 8:44). Even if we were moral and upright on the outside, our true identity as sinners belonged to Satan, full of guilt and shame.

Kingdom of Grace

The kingdom of God has two aspects. The first is His power, His complete control over all things. An example of God’s power is in the life of Joseph (Genesis 50:20). He is the king who changes things according to His will.

The other aspect of God’s kingdom is God’s grace which is presented here by Jesus in ‘Your kingdom come’. The reality of God’s grace and redemption through the coming of Jesus. Jesus came to save the people from their sins. Jesus is the Messianic king who came to redeem God’s people for the kingdom. Why would Jesus give up His heavenly position, live a life of suffering, be betrayed by his own disciples, and die on the cross? So he could rescue and redeem His people. We didn’t deserve to be redeemed. This only happens by God’s grace. Jesus brings the kingdom of God, this was why He came.

Why is grace called a kingdom? Because, when grace comes, there is a kingly government set up in the soul. Grace rules the will and affections, and brings the whole man in subjection to Christ; it kings it in the soul, sways the scepter, subdues mutinous lusts, and keeps the soul in a spiritual decorum. – Thomas Watson

Jesus is the only way into the kingdom. There is no grace or hope with Jesus (Romans 9:3). Without Jesus there is no church. So the church must be like Jesus, bringing the kingdom of God into the world.

The priority of the kingdom in prayer

This petition comes as the second petition. It comes before our daily bread. True Christianity realizes the priority of God’s kingdom even before our needs and desires (Matthew 4:4). We seek God’s kingdom and His righteousness first and then God will provide. The order matters. God’s kingdom is first because the kingdom is our eternal life. It is more important but also more valuable and wonderful.

Therefore it is our duty to pray for God’s kingdom to come. We must pray for the lost and salvation of sinners. Jesus did not come to bless us with wealth or fame. He came to redeem sinners. This is a fundamental existential truth in our lives as followers of Christ. Is food more important than the gospel? Ask yourself what matters most in your life. (Luke 9:25) It must be the kingdom of God and the gospel call. Do not be foolish and under the power of sin by living for this dying world (1 Timothy 6:7). Pray and live for the kingdom of God.

How do you know if you’re in the kingdom of God?

For the kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit – Romans 14:17. You must be righteous to be in the kingdom of God. However, none of us are righteous. Not even the cutest baby is righteous. Many people confuse being spiritual with being righteous. None are righteous and can approach God. The only way to be righteous is to have the righteousness of Jesus imputed to us (2 Corinthians 5:21). We can only be righteous in Jesus, and if we are righteous then we will also have peace and joy in the Holy Spirit (Romans 5:1). Only the righteousness of Jesus brings peace with God and the peace of God. This is why the righteous man can experience the love of God in any circumstance. In fact, the love of God is felt more deeply the tougher the situation we are in because we realize the superiority of Jesus and His gift of righteousness.

The invisible kingdom made invisible

It is the Christian’s duty to make the kingdom of God visible to others. They do so by obedience. Jesus revealed the kingdom of God through His obedience. While Jesus was dying on the cross, during that moment of humble obedience, the centurion witnessed the kingdom of God. The Christian might seem meek and humble on the inside but they are fortified and strong as they follow the will of God in obedience. People can see the power and glory of the kingdom through our obedience. Obedience makes the invisible visible.

To obey we must have a heavenly preoccupation. We are pilgrims here and our home is heaven (Colossians 3:1). So we must keep looking heavenward. From the moment we are saved we are transformed. Our king is now Jesus, our lives are righteous and obedient, and our home is in heaven. Our work is to go and make disciples of all the nations (Matthew 28:19). Therefore we pray for God’s kingdom to come (Matthew 29:19).

When praying, we need to know who we are addressing; that is, God the Father. And if we want to pray as Jesus did, he emphasizes six petitions to be included in our prayers. Before making the petitions, Jesus begins his prayer to the Father and considers him as the most sacred. In other words, Jesus is praying that the Father’s name is to be hallowed and lifted up in honor through prayer. 

In the Jewish culture, names had much more meaning as it was all the person was. God’s name is equated with his person and nature. It is his name we put our trust in him because of who he is (Ps. 9:10). An example is Jehovah Jireh, which means the Lord will provide. When Abraham had faith in God to sacrifice his son as a burnt offering to the Lord, he provided a ram who had his horns caught in the thicket of the bush that would take the place of his son (Gen. 22:13). 

The first petition begins with being occupied with the knowledge of God’s holiness. Beginning with this understanding will increase our confidence in the Lord as we pray. Holiness means to be set apart. When the prophet Isaiah saw a vision of God, his holiness caused him to say, “Woe is me, for I am ruined!” Even the seraphim demonstrates God’s holiness as they covered their face, and feet and flew with their wings in his presence (Isa. 6:1-2, 5). “God’s holiness embodies the mystery of his awesomeness and causes us to gaze in wonder at him as we begin to comprehend just a little of his majesty” (R.C. Sproul).

If we do not understand God’s holiness in prayer, we profane his name and take him lightly and too casually. When Moses did not believe him and treated God as holy in the sight of the sons of Israel, God’s judgment came down on him and Israel (Num. 20:12-13). In addition, prayerlessness is also dishonored because the redeemed are liberated to pray unceasingly to the Father.

The second petition is to hold the Father’s holy name in awe. Unfortunately, many take the name of the Lord’s name in vain. Whether it is by using God’s name as a curse word or making careless swearing by his name, we must carefully consider using God’s holy name in vain. In contrast, we esteem the Father’s holy name in awe in worship and prayer. 

In whatever we do, we can worship God as we have been delivered from our sin to worship him and pray (Acts. 2:42). Worship includes adoration to God as we bless his holy name and lift him up on high as he alone is worthy. In prayer we not only address the holy Father, but prayer always leads us to confess our sins and repent for he is faithful to forgive (1 Jn. 1:9). God also shows his power to make us righteous as we repent.

Moreover, as we hold God’s holy name in the highest esteem, our prayers will become preaching to ourselves for our edification. And as we pray in this way, we are emboldened. 

The third petition is to approach prayer in personal holiness. Only holy people can pray in the way Jesus taught. “Holiness is nothing less than conformity to the character of God” (Jerry Bridges). Every Christian is holy because they have been justified by the Holy Spirit. But ongoing personal holiness is only possible when Christ is sanctified in their hearts. 

“The righteous man in James 5:16 is right with God practically in His daily life, whose ways please the Lord. If we walk not in separation from the world, if we deny not self, strive not against sin, mortify not our lusts, but gratify our carnal nature, is there any wonder that our prayer life is cold and formal and our petition unanswered” (A.W. Pink).

How can Christians continue to grow in holiness? Christ is able! And believing in him who saved us from our sins can help us as there is nothing too difficult to overcome.

One of the greatest gifts God has given to the world is fatherhood. A good father who raises their children well is a wonderful blessing to their family and to society. It has been said that a lack of fathers in the black community is a leading cause of the issues they face today such as gangs, violence, and crime. Fathers are important to each family and to society at large because of what they provide and do. It is amazing that Jesus when teaching His disciples to pray starts with ‘Father’.

The disciples ask Jesus to teach them to pray because they see Jesus work in all aspects of His life through prayer. Jesus is always praying. So Jesus tells them, “When you pray”. Prayer is the sign of a believer. A Christian can pray anytime in any situation. When you pray, you are to “say, ‘Father’”. Prayer is coming before God as a son before their father. The word “father” here has a sense of sweetness and closeness. There are so many grand words we can attribute to God but there is a special relationship captured in the word, “Father”. God is omnipotent, sovereign, holy, omniscient, infinite, sovereign, full of glory, and most of all, God is our Father.

Prayer is so important to our Christian life, yet it is often theologically misunderstood. Prayer is not just about getting what we want. It is the unfathomable privilege of communing with the sovereign God of the universe. Prayer brings the believer into the presence of God so we submit to His will and see His glory.

Some progressive Christians are teaching that everyone is a son of God. In one sense it is true because God is the Creator and all things find their source in God. But here in the Lord’s Prayer, God is the Father of those who have a saving relationship with Him. Only believers who are loved by God and love God can call God their Father (John 8:42,44). You must have received Jesus Christ, the son of God, and been adopted through the Holy Spirit, to be a child of God (John 1:11-12, Romans 8:14-15). If you are Christian, then you know God is your Father. Other religions might try to portray their gods as fathers, but they are false idols with no love or compassion. The God of the Bible is full of love, mercy, and kindness. He is our loving Father and, as His children, we are to be like Him.

The Father is approachable. As a believer, it is easy to enter into His presence. God is approachable because He never leaves you. Remember Jacob who was able to meet God in the middle of the wilderness. It shows God never leaves His chosen and He approaches us first so we can approach Him. If you have the desire then no matter what state you are in, God is ready for you (Luke 15:20). It doesn’t matter if you are a poor and smelly prodigal, the Father is waiting to embrace you and kiss you. Think about Jesus on the cross, the lowest point in history, carrying the sins of man, naked and bloody. While in that dire situation, He cries out to God (Matthew 27:46). Would God receive Jesus at this moment? Yet Jesus calls God, “Father” and surrenders His spirit (Luke 22:46). We know the Father heard Jesus’ prayer because God raised Him from the dead (Luke 24:5-6, Galatians 1:1). A prayer-less life is inexcusable when we have such a Father who is so approachable. We say “Father” in every circumstance whether in thanksgiving or need of help.

Our Father is mighty. He is a strong protector who is full of power and authority. Jesus came to earth as the son, and as a man, he was in constant need of the Father. Therefore Jesus prayed to the Father in His piety because Jesus knew God the Father was mighty to help Him (Hebrews 4:16,5:7). In the gospel of John, John says no one has seen God, except Jesus who is “in the bosom of the Father” and explained Him (John 1:18). One of the primary things we learn from the miracles in the Gospel of John is how mighty God is. God is truly all-powerful and able to do all things (John 42:2, Job 42:2). By faith, which is a gift from God, we know God is powerful and able to answer our prayers. However, we are warned by James to not contend with God in prayer but we are to ask in faith (James 4:2). Earnest prayer in faith calls God “Father” and submits to the Father’s will joyfully.

Our Father is relational. To be a father, he must have children. God’s children are adopted by Him (Ephesians 1:5). Adoption is central and core to Christianity. What a blessing to be adopted by God and call Him Father. This is our true joy. A Christian who does not pray still acts like an orphan. J I Packer says you do not understand Christianity at all if you do not God as Father. We are adopted and made co-heirs with Christ, one day to be glorified with Him (Romans 8:17). Though we are not worthy and deserving, we are adopted to the highest privilege and position based on God’s grace. How much grace we have received! So as children of grace, we show grace to the world.

Conclusion

How do you view the Father? Do you realize how good it is in your Father’s house? (Luke 15:17) Realize how good God is and how He gives good gifts. You are a co-heir with Jesus Christ! This is why it is joyful and exciting to pray, because we get to call God, “Father”. The eternal, everlasting God is our Father which means everything in our life is changed. Nothing will be the same because He loves us with everlasting love.

In part one of the current series on what prayer is, Pastor Paul has preached on three points. They are prayer is communication, prayer advances the Christian into another realm, and prayer is a gift for the children of God. In today’s text, three additional points will be covered on what prayer is as Jesus’ disciples asked him to teach them how to pray.

Prayer is a primary weapon against Satan. In our minds, there’s a spiritual battle constantly happening. But we can also pray continuously in our minds and hearts. This is why Satan hates those who pray, and he is also afraid of those who pray. The Christian must pray unceasingly as the Holy Spirit continues to strengthen and equip us. 

In the church, it is important to pray for one another. We are all on the frontlines of spiritual warfare. What helps tremendously in our battles against the flesh, sin, the world, and the evil one is prayer.

When we pray according to the will of God, that is true prayer. The Apostle Peter denied Jesus three times because he depended on his own will and thinking rather than seeking the will of God in prayer. This command is a common occurrence in Scripture (1 Jn. 3:22, 24). Those who seek obedience to God’s word will pray God’s will more often than not. In other words, how much you’re closer to the Bible determines how much you pray and if it’s according to the will of God. And when God answers prayer, God will be glorified.

A high view of God and his word produces a man of obedience and prayer. As we draw nearer to the Lord and his word, we will 

Prayer is fellowship with God. There is a great calm in the hearts of those who commune with God through prayer. And in fellowship with God, we learn more about his love for us. 

Private prayer and fellowship with God also result in our desire for public prayer and fellowship with the saints. If we fail in private, how can we expect to be successful publicly?

Prayer is essential and Jesus did not ever hesitate to teach his disciples how to pray. The disciples asked Jesus how to pray because they witnessed the power and success of Jesus’ own prayers. It was his prayer that helped him overcome the constant persecution and trials he faced throughout his ministry.

Jesus shows there is no replacement for human fragility, and he was not an exception (Heb. 5:7). Jesus was truly man and he bore the title of “man of sorrows”. “Just as we live in dependence upon the Father and his provisions, so did Jesus Christ” (Phil Newton). If this was true of our Lord, how much more should we pray as we are nothing but dust and clay (Gen. 2:7)? Knowing this, why don’t some Christians pray? Idolatry and worldliness deter some from praying. 

Prayer is essential because it is a hallmark of a true Christian. Even though we might neglect certain things, prayer is not one of them. One thing all believers have in common is a prayerful life. Jesus knew he prayed to the living Father as we should (1 Thess. 1:9).

“I do say this. That not praying is a clear proof that a person is not yet a true Christian. They cannot really feel their sins. They cannot love God. They cannot feel themselves a debtor to Christ. They cannot long after holiness. They cannot desire heaven. They have yet to be born again. They have yet to be made a new creature. They may boast confidently of election, grace, faith, hope, and knowledge, and deceive ignorant people. But you may rest assured it is all vain talk if they do not pray” (J.C. Ryle).

Christians are the temple of God where prayer is always occurring. In other words, true Christians pray. God gifts every believer with the ability to pray in the Spirit to him. Christians are not only able to pray to God but they are also commanded to pray unceasingly (1 Thess. 5:16). Therefore, a life of prayer is a hallmark of all believers as they become the temple of God when they are saved.

As Christians, one of the first things we do is give thanks to the Lord for our salvation. Thanksgiving is one of the key aspects of the Christian life. Even a Christian’s death is full of thanks because they pass into glory. Giving thanks is not only natural but also commanded by God. Jesus was always giving thanks to the Father as He obeyed (Matthew 14:19).

Giving thanks is an act of obedience. 1 Thessalonians 5:18 doesn’t have the word always, but we can assume that we must always be giving thanks. In 1 Thessalonians 1:2 and 2 Thessalonians 2:13 Paul says he is always giving thanks for them. Just prior to this passage, the apostle says to rejoice always. Therefore giving thanks must be our continual habit, giving thanks in everything. Thomas Watson once said, “Every time we draw our breath, we suck in mercy”. Every breath we take is a mercy from God and for which we should be grateful.

One reason we should always be thankful is because God is always working. From Genesis 1, in the beginning, God has been working. Jesus explains that both He and His Father are always working (John 5:17). So every day is a miracle. God is working as our Shepherd who doesn’t slumber or sleep (Psalms 121:4). He is leading, saving, and delivering His people (Psalm 23:4). He is Lord over all things, sovereign, holding everything in His hands (Colossians 1:16). He sustains the universe and nothing happens without His care. In this fallen world, we are powerless against the spiritual powers, but God is Lord and working.

God’s work is loving. Like a mother taking care of their children, God will not forget you (Isaiah 49:15). He is always loving and caring for you. His love is not minimal but goes above and beyond. His work on earth, especially His death, shows the length of Jesus’ love for His own (John 13:1). His love and care are constant, demonstrated by His interceding for us (Romans 8:34). We are safe because God is constantly working for us.

What must we be thankful for? In everything. There is not one thing that cannot be excluded from giving thanks to God. Both the good and bad. Just today, we heard news that Conrad Mbewe’s son passed away. He gave thanks for his son who has entered into glory. Even in sickness, tough times, poor times, in everything, we give thanks. We can give thanks for everything because God loves us. The God who loves us causes everything. We can’t quantify or explain why certain things happen but we know God causes it (Romans 8:27-28). “To those who are called according to His purpose”. “Those who are called” are the Christians and God has His purpose for them. One example we can think of is Joseph who was sold as a slave. Joseph endured many hardships until His word came to pass (Psalm 105:17-19). However, we must understand, that until God’s purpose was fulfilled, God sustained and refined Joseph. So God causes all things and He is providing His care until His work is done. We might not know what’s happening but we can trust God in everything.

Another reason we can trust God in everything He causes is because He is good (Psalm 103:8-14). God is slow to anger and does not accuse us. He doesn’t deal with us according to our sins as we deserve. Instead, he removes our transgressions completely and forgives us. He shows compassion to us who do not deserve it. He is so good and gives good gifts (Matthew 7:11). His goodness is intrinsic, His nature, His essence. God is love and God is good. This is most demonstrated by the gospel of Jesus Christ. Instead of punishing us, He poured out His wrath and punishment upon His beloved Son (2 Corinthians 5:21). His goodness and love are freely shown to us (Romans 8:32). Therefore we thank God always in everything.

“For this is God’s will for you”. It is God’s will for us to give thanks. The will of God has nothing to do with non-Christians. God’s will is not a law but it’s a gift of God (Isaiah 46:9-10). There are six key things associated with God’s will in the New Testament.

• God wills everybody to be saved (1 Timothy 2:3-4).
• God’s will is for the Christian to suffer for sanctification (1 Peter 4:19)
• God’s will is for Christians to be submissive to authorities (1 Peter 2:13)
• God’s will is to be filled with the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 5:17-18).
• God’s will is for you to be holy (1 Thessalonians 4:3)
• God’s will is for you to be thankful (1 Thessalonians 5:18)

So we can see how important God’s will is and how important giving thanks is. Giving thanks is Christ-likeness, following the will of God. It is very significant and impactful. The Israelites were unable to enter the promised land because of their grumbling (Numbers 14:29-30). They did not give thanks. Only Josh and Caleb who were faithful, thankful, and trusted the Lord were able to enter.

The will of God is our partnership. The will of God designs and we obey with thanksgiving. Unless the Lord builds the house, those who build it labor in vain (Psalm 127:1). The Lord works in our lives for sanctification and we respond with thanksgiving. Our thanksgiving brings glory to God. In tragedy, it is hard to give thanks, but when we practice faith and worship and give thanks, it glorifies God. We honor God and lift up His name when we give thanks (Psalm 50:23, Job 1:21-22). So we are commanded to give thanks in everything so that God be glorified. This is God’s invitation to us to enjoy and partake in His goodness, His love, and His salvation.

Prayer is important. Prayer exists for every Christian as they are internally transformed by the Spirit of God to practice a life of prayer. But what is prayer according to Scripture? There are six aspects to prayer according to Luke in today’s text. The text is one of only two prayers of Jesus recorded in Scripture; the other being Matthew 6:9-13. Jesus did not hesitate to teach prayer when anyone asked as prayer is a gift from heaven. 

Prayer is to speak consciously to God with a definite aim. Christians talk and commune with the living God who is able to respond. Prayer’s aim is to worship the living God. Every time the word ‘prayer’ is mentioned in Scripture, it involves worship.

What is prayer?

Prayer is communication. God allows every Christian to approach him in prayer to talk with him. Prayer is a two-way street where both parties must be engaged or there is no true conversation that takes place. In order to have better communication with the Lord, Christians must grow in their knowledge of the Word of God. God does not reveal anything beyond Scripture. God continues to reveal his will and helps the believer to understand. 

Communication cannot occur between the living and the dead. God is not dead but alive. He is eager to communicate with the believers and seeks them to be his worshippers. God is ready to incline his ear to anyone who is also yearning to pray to him.

Prayer is the door to pass into another realm. Jesus showed this during his baptism as the Father and Spirit communicated to him from heaven. Isaiah also experienced this when his spirit entered heaven and saw the vision of God. In prayer, God takes the believer into another realm as it was for the Apostle Paul (2 Cor. 12:2-4). In addition, the Lord gives confidence to the Christian; that is, through faith in order to receive his mercy and find grace for help at the time of need (Heb. 4:16; Ac. 16:25). Without faith, prayer is merely wordplay. 

Prayer is a means to benefit the children of God. Prayer exists because God wants to bless the believer. The children of God know they are sinners, rescued by grace alone, and trust in Jesus Christ alone. So, when a child of God prays to their God, he always listens. Christians have a love for Christ that encourages them to pray more because it increases their communication with the object of their faith and love.

Moreover, the children of God benefit from his blessings as he freely gives them everything they need (Rom. 8:32). God does not withhold the best as he did not even spare his own Son, Jesus Christ. And is through prayer that God gives blessings to those that ask him (Matt. 7:11). Jesus paid the price for believers to receive the privilege to pray and thereby become partakers in the blessings of God. Jesus not only paid the price for every Christian’s salvation, but he continues to intercede on behalf of the believer so that they can freely pray and continue to receive God’s blessings.