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Prayer takes many forms, just as normal communication does. While the subjects of my routine prayer times tend to be rather random and far ranging, my morning prayer is ritualistic by design. It is important for me to make a determination to depend upon and trust Father–regardless.

There have also been times in my life when my prayer life benefited from a formula. The Lord’s prayer in Matthew 6 provides a model I have appreciated. It begins, “Our Father who art in Heaven.” This is a great opener. It reminds us who we are addressing and how He prefers to be addressed. True, He is God, but Jesus set the precedent for us when He called God, “Father.”

The next line, “Hallowed be Thy name,” is a guide reminding us that Father appreciates hearing our compliments and recognition that He truly is a magnificent individual. To be candid, I like hearing the same sort of thing from those around me. Why would Father–in whose image we are created–not appreciate hearing our celebration of who He is?

“Thy kingdom come. / Thy will be done, / On earth as it is in heaven,” reads verse ten. This is the opportunity to respond to who Father is with your hopeful desire that His reign will extend into all areas of your life. In this you declare your allegiance to Him. “Father, please reign over my world, but more personally, please reign in my life today.”

When Jesus modeled in prayer, “Give us this day our daily bread,” He was leading us to understand that our Father is the one who cares for us. We do not care for ourselves or meet our own needs. What are the issues before you? What are your concerns? What is on your mind? Discuss these matters with Father.

When reciting the model prayer orally in a group, unless the group recites these verses together regularly, then a third of the folks say “trespasses,” a third say “debts,” and a third mumble not knowing what to say. Either way, this is the point at which we talk with Father about the matters that plague us with failure. Of course, Jesus was modeling this prayer prior to the accomplishment of our forgiveness through His sacrifice, but there is always benefit in understanding our shortcomings and owning them. “Father, I failed to act as the person you have declared me to be. I’m sorry.”

Our enemy, the devil, is alive and well. While we live in a sensory world, the real world is spiritual, and it is a dangerous, world at war. “Deliver us from evil,” Jesus prayed. In other words, call upon Father to protect you, to guard your heart, to watch over you, and help you rest in your security in Christ.

“For Thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever.” Circumstantially, it appears to be bad for the home team. By voicing His confidence in Father’s authority, Christ modeled His hope in the One who is all powerful. He then sealed His prayer with finality, “Amen.”