Middle school · Day 2 of 7
Our Father
Read: Matthew 6:5-15 (KJV)
5And when thou prayest, thou shalt not be as the hypocrites are: for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets, that they may be seen of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward. 6But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly. 7But when ye pray, use not vain repetitions, as the heathen do: for they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking. 8Be not ye therefore like unto them: for your Father knoweth what things ye have need of, before ye ask him. 9After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. 10Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. 11Give us this day our daily bread. 12And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. 13And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen. 14For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you: 15But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.
Read the whole chapter ›What it means
Jesus taught His disciples how to pray, and we call it the Lord's Prayer. First, He said prayer is not about showing off or using fancy words. God is not impressed by long speeches. He is your Father, and He already knows what you need. Then Jesus gave a pattern: honor God's name, ask for His will to be done, ask Him for what you need today, ask for forgiveness and forgive others, and ask Him to keep you from evil. You can pray these exact words, or use them as a guide. Notice that Jesus says to forgive others. That can be hard when someone at school embarrassed you or a friend hurt you. But God, who forgave us so much, helps us forgive too.
Key verse
“After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.”
Matthew 6:9 (KJV)
Think about it
- What does it mean to you that you can call God "Father"?
- Which part of the Lord's Prayer is hardest for you to pray and mean?
- Is there someone you need to forgive? What would help you take that step?
Pray
Our Father in heaven, Your name is holy. Let Your will be done in my life today. Give me what I need, forgive me for my sins, and help me forgive others. Keep me away from evil. Amen.