And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. Matthew 6:12 Forgiveness is essential to real community. In order for there to be forgiveness, there also have to be offenses, or debts. This request clearly implies that forgiveness is to be received in the context…

“Give us each day our daily bread.” (Luke 11:3) Prayer is a joint effort; a community project. Not only are we praying to “our Father,” but as this next request indicates we are praying for “our daily bread.” We are to be concerned for the provision of each…

…your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Matthew 6:10 The first three requests have been about the Father: His name, His kingdom, and now His will. It is not uncommon for prayer to be about our name, our kingdom and our will. By following…

(Continued from Our Father, and Hallowed Be Your Name) Your Kingdom come. Matthew 6:10 What does it mean for God’s Kingdom to come? That depends on your circumstances when you are praying, and what other kingdom you are currently living under. So for instance, people in the United…

(Continued from Our Father.) This, then, is how you should pray: “Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name…. Matthew 6:9 After addressing the One to Whom we pray as Father, and identifying ourselves in our coming as a part of His family, the first request we are…