The Lord’s Prayer

I once attended a dear friend’s wedding, and as the event drew to a close, the officiating vicar led us in the Lord’s Prayer. It’s a prayer I’ve spoken and read countless times throughout my life, but the way he guided us through it that day left a lasting impact on me. He slowed the pace, gently inviting us to pause and reflect on each line. In those few moments, I felt the prayer come alive with a depth and richness I had never experienced before. I want to encourage you to try this today—take time to slow down, reflect, and let the words of this timeless prayer speak to your heart.

The prayer begins on a deeply relational note, addressing God as “our Father.” This not only highlights His role as a father but also emphasizes our personal connection to Him. Calling Him “our Father” reminds us of our sense of belonging, reaffirming our identity as His children. As 1 John 3:1-2 declares, “See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God.”

This opening phrase also sets a familial tone, showing us that the prayer is a conversation within the context of a relationship, not a transaction with a distant deity. It fosters loving reverence for our Heavenly Father, who, while the all-powerful King with a glorious kingdom, is intimately personal to us.

Just as shared values are at the heart of any loving family, the Lord’s Prayer reflects some of God’s core principles in this family:

• Unity in purpose (v.10): We are called to desire the fulfilment of our Father’s will and the growth of His kingdom here on the earth.

• Dependence on Him for provision and protection (v.11,13): He is our sustainer, as Philippians 4:19 says, “And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of His glory in Christ Jesus.”

• Forgiveness is non-negotiable (v.12,14,15): Forgiveness (mentioned twice in this passage) is central to God’s heart. I once heard a preacher describe a prayer where he told God, “I forgive, but I will keep them at arm’s length.” God gently responded, “That’s fine—but if I also keep you at arm’s length, is that okay?” This shifted the preacher’s heart and reminds us to extend grace fully.

• All glory belongs to God (v.13): As Psalm 115:1 says, “Not to us, Lord, not to us, but to Your name be the glory.”

As we enter this new season of Kingdom expansion, may we hold the lessons of the Lord’s Prayer close to our hearts. Let it remind us of His deep love, grace, and the beauty of walking in communion with Him daily.

-  Andrew Mumo