PRAYING THROUGH THE LORD’S PRAYER & WORSHIPPING THE TRUE KING!

Jesus said, “This, then, is how you should pray…” (Matthew 6:9) The Lord’s Prayer isn’t just a set of words we recite—it’s a model and a powerful invitation on how to really step into the fullness of our relationship with God. It speaks to every part of who we are—our bodies, our emotions, and our spirit. Every phrase draws us closer to God: to know the Father’s love, to walk with the Spirit in holiness, and to stand on Christ, our cornerstone. At its heart, this prayer is about a real, ongoing, healing relationship with our living God in our moment by moment day.

When we not only pray this prayer but truly live it, we begin to experience peace instead of anxiety, clarity in the midst of confusion, joy even through pain and suffering, a deep sense of purpose in our daily walk with God, love that selflessly gives and transforms relationships, patience in seasons of waiting, kindness and compassion in a world that can be harsh and competitive, goodness that flows from a heart aligned with Him, faithfulness in every step we take, gentleness in our words and actions, and self-control that leads us into lasting freedom.

Let’s walk through each phrase with fresh eyes and open hearts. Let us see the majesty, beauty and loveliness of Christ. Here, at this time, let us worship and exalt our King. Be still and know that I am God is with us here.

1. Our Father in Heaven, Hallowed be Your Name (Refocusing our Awe and Reverence)

In this phrase, we’re invited into a sacred relationship with God—not a distant ruler, but a loving Father. Jesus, who is one with the Father, is the door that brings us into that oneness. Through Him, we come to know God’s desire to be near us, and His deep affection for us as His beloved children. 

We not only experience this intimacy, but we also come in awe to revere the Lord’s name. His name is holy—I AM that I AM- is sovereign, unchanging, eternal and set apart. And when we truly honor and submit to Him, we begin to let go of the idols - beauty, power, success, money, relationships- that compete to take first place in our hearts." We need to refocus our hearts on who God is and who we are in Christ, rather than being consumed by our problems and struggles. 

Take a quiet moment to settle your heart. Let go of distractions, and simply rest in God’s loving presence. Feel His warmth around you, welcoming you just as you are. Adore Him—for who He is and all He’s done. 

Let’s Pause & Pray

2. Your Kingdom Come, Your Will be Done on earth as it is in heaven (Relinquishing Our Ways, Embracing the King’s Way)

In this phrase, we ask for our heart to align with God’s. His Kingdom isn’t of this world, yet it’s breaking in all around us. Jesus, the Good Shepherd, invites us to let go of our need to control and our self-centered ways, and to follow His path of humility, love, and sacrifice.

 His Kingdom is upside-down—where the greatest are servants and the weak are strong, and we’re called to walk in compassion for others- giving to the needy and poor, healing care for the sick, and the fatherless, driving out demons, just as Jesus did. 

When we surrender to His will, we take up our cross and follow Jesus and we step into a life far more fulfilling than anything this world could offer. The kingdoms we build are like the house of cards- precariously balanced, easily toppled. Jesus is the Way, the Truth and Life, creating an eternal wonderful home in our hearts even here on earth. 

Take a moment to surrender the kingdoms you’ve built- or are still building: your desire to control, to prove, to achieve- areas that you struggle to trust God completely with. Name the situation you are holding tightly. Give it to God and ask the gentle Shepherd King to lead and reign in your heart. Trust that His ways are better, higher, full of peace. His will is good and perfect! 

Let’s Pause & Pray

3. Give Us Today Our Daily Bread (Absolute Dependence on God)

This phrase calls us to trust God today not only for physical bread but by His Word we need daily to live in the fullness of God’s will (Matt 4:4). “Daily bread” is symbolic of everything that sustains us- relationships, work, joy, love, peace, wisdom and guidance. Jesus, the Bread of Life, is the only one who can truly meet our deepest needs.

Just like God provided daily manna to His people in the wilderness, He promises to provide everything we need—spiritually, emotionally, and physically. In Him, we have no lack and find fulfillment that’s so much greater than anything the world can offer. What world offers is like the empty calories- never fully satisfying us or nourishing. In receiving this blessing, we’re invited to offer our own five loaves and two fish—however small—to serve and bless others.

Take a moment to bring all your needs—physical, emotional, and spiritual—before the Father. Trust that He sees you, knows you, and will take care of you, even when things seem uncertain. Ask Him for wisdom, courage, or whatever you’re facing today. 

Let’s Pause & Pray

 4. Forgive Us Our Sins, As We Forgive Those Who Sin Against Us (Cleansing and Healing)
 This phrase is about receiving and giving healing grace. At the cross, Jesus took upon Himself all our sin, shame, and guilt. He paid the ultimate price so we could stand blameless before God. Even as His heart longed to return to the Father, just before His death, Jesus knelt—stooping low to wash not only His disciples’ failures but ours as well. We need Jesus to wash our feet daily to cleanse us and heal us.

We will never fully grasp the weight of what it meant to see our sin nailed to His cross. The Lamb of God- spotless and pure- was slaughtered for our transgressions, and yet He did not utter a word in His defense. His silence in the face of injustice was not weakness, but victory. In that moment, Jesus, the Shepherd and Lamb, triumphed over sin, death, and the enemy—and securing for us a victory we could never have achieved by our own strength. By His grace—by His wounds, we are healed from all shame, guilt, and sin. 

He also calls us to forgive others just as He has forgiven us—to release our bitterness, hurt, and shame to Him. When we do, healing begins not only our relationship with God but also with others. Out of that healing flows love, mercy, and forgiveness—and in that, we find true freedom and peace.

Take a moment to confess, release, and receive His forgiveness for all your sins. Invite God to search your heart- bring any hurt, resentment, or unforgiveness to God. Let His grace wash over you, and ask Him to give you the strength to forgive others as He has forgiven you. Find freedom and healing in His merciful love.  

Let’s Pause & Pray

5. Lead Us Not into Temptation, But Deliver Us from Evil (Protection and Deliverance)

This phrase calls us cry for guidance and rescue. Temptation isn't always about doing what's obviously wrong—it’s oftentimes believing what seems right and good in our own eyes or in the eyes of the world, and in doing so, missing what is truly right in God’s eyes and distrusting God’s goodness. We have a relentless enemy and we’re constantly tempted to stray, but Jesus, our High Priest, understands our weaknesses. His grace will cover us even more in our most vulnerable moments and in our failures. When we face darkness, we can trust Jesus, light of the world will protect and deliver us. Colossians 1:13 that You have "rescued me from the dominion of darkness and brought me into the kingdom of Your beloved Son." So today, stand on that promise. And as we walk, we’re called to encourage one another in our faith. 

Bring any temptations, fears, or struggles you’re facing to God. Let His light shine in those dark areas, and ask for His protection and deliverance. Trust that He will guide you out of the darkness and into His peace. 

Let’s Pause & Pray

6. For Thine is the Kingdom, the Power, and the Glory are yours Now and Forever. Amen (Ultimate Glory and Sovereignty)

This is bringing us to our knees in worship. We belong to a Kingdom that will never fade or be shaken. Jesus, the King of kings, is sovereign over all things, holding the power to make everything new. We’re called to abide in Jesus, the True Vine, trusting in His rule, knowing He is the Alpha and the Omega—the Beginning and the End. Through His Spirit, we get a taste of eternity with Him. And one day, we’ll dwell with our Savior forever in His glory! Prayer ends where it began — with God’s holiness and awesomeness. You leave your time of prayer not with worry, but with awe and delight. He reigns!  He is worthy! "In a loud voice they were saying: ‘Worthy is the Lamb, who was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and strength and honor and glory and praise!’" Revelation 5:12. Now as His ambassadors we carry Christ’s authority and His power living in us to do all things according to His will. 

 Take a moment to trust in God’s sovereignty over all things. Thank Him for His eternal reign and the truth that we belong to a greater Kingdom. Rejoice in the glory He gives us through His Spirit. Glorify Jesus’s Name by whom we have all that we see and don’t see and who holds our lives in His loving hands. 

Let’s Pause & Pray