One day Jesus was praying in a certain place. When he finished, one of his disciples said to him, “Lord, teach us to pray, just as John taught his disciples.” He said to them, “When you pray, say: “ ‘Father, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come. Give us each day our daily bread. Forgive us our sins, for we also forgive everyone who sins against us. And lead us not into temptation.’ ” (Luke 11:1-4)
One of the disciples saw Jesus praying, so he asked Jesus to teach the disciples to pray. Jesus taught them the Lord’s Prayer. Jesus taught them to put God first in their prayers, Jesus asked them to pray “Father, hallowed be your name” Hallowed means holy, honored, revered, and set apart. Jesus wanted us to pray that Father, may Your name be honored as holy. May people recognize Your greatness, holiness, and glory. Ask for the coming of God’s kingdom, the kingdom under God’s reign, the kingdom with God as King, to come on earth. The parallel passage in Matthew adds, “Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.” God’s will is done in heaven; we pray that His will will also be done on earth, and that people will obey His will. Put God first, then ask for our daily needs. The Bible says that seek first God’s kingdom and His righteousness, and God will provide for our needs. Then ask God to forgive our sins, for we also forgive all those who have wronged us; if we forgive the sins of others, and God will forgive our sins. We also ask God not to lead us into temptation. God does not tempt people; He does not lead people to sin. We ask God not to lead us into temptation, but deliver us from evil, to live a victorious life.
May God bless you and your family!
