God’s priorities and everyday needs
Luke records that a disciple asked Jesus to teach them to pray after he finished praying. Jesus began with God’s name being honored and his kingdom coming. Matthew’s fuller wording also asks that God’s will be done on earth as in heaven (Luke 11:1–4; Matthew 6:9–13). [1]
The petitions then turn to daily bread and forgiveness. Asking for sustenance brings ordinary needs into prayer; asking forgiveness includes forgiving others. The prayer also asks not to be led into temptation, with Matthew adding deliverance from the evil one (Luke 11:2–4; Matthew 6:11–13). [1]
Jesus also instructed his followers to enter a room, close the door and pray to their unseen Father, who sees in secret and rewards them. He warned against expecting many repeated words to secure a hearing (Matthew 6:6–7). One reading understands the Lord’s Prayer as a pattern for heartfelt prayer. [2]
Jesus encouraged trust by comparing parents’ gifts with the Father’s giving: even imperfect parents know how to give good gifts to their children; how much more will the Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him (Luke 11:9–13).
