In Matthew 6, Jesus has just shown the folly of showy prayers (Matthew 6:5-6) and wordy prayers (Matthew 6:7). In sharp contrast with such prayers that try to be impressive, Jesus’ model is simple, brief and to the point. He is picturing what a straightforward, honest prayer looks like. He also offers an outline—a progression of thoughts—that can help us order our own prayers. Again, don’t let Jesus’ point be lost in the familiarity of the words. As we build on Jesus’ prayer-plan, each part should be truly our own, truly heart-felt and sincere.
Pray then like this: “Our Father in heaven, hallowed be Your name. Your kingdom come, Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven” (Matthew 6:9-10 cf. Luke 11:2).
What do we learn from this opening? First, we begin by honoring and appreciating God. Immature children think only of themselves, their needs, their wants—which is where they usually start. Jesus is maturing us, reminding us to recognize just who we are approaching in prayer. “Hallowed be Your name” means that God, represented by His name, should be treated as sacred, with utmost respect. Yet, as high and holy as God is, He is also “Father.” He is truly Father to Jesus the Son (Luke 1:35), and Jesus emphasized this relationship in nearly all of His recorded prayers (Matthew 6:9; 11:25-26; 26:39, 42, 53; Mark 14:36; Luke 10:21-22; 11:2; 22:42; 23:34, 46; John 11:41; 12:28; 17:1, 5, 11, 21, 24, 25; cf. Luke 15:18, 21). Mark 14 gives insight into the actual word Jesus used for “Father.”
“Abba, Father, all things are possible for You” (Mark 14:36 cf. Matthew 26:39, 42, 53; Luke 22:42).
Abba expresses fondness and respect.
The New Testament was written in that time’s common Greek, in which Father is Pater. But Jesus and most Jews spoke Aramaic as their mother language. In that language, a child called his father Abba, which expresses both fondness and respect. Jews avoided such familiar and affectionate terms. Yet Jesus used Abba, and also brought us into such a close relationship that we too “cry out, ‘Abba! Father!’” (Romans 8:15). What an amazing blessing, that we as God’s children (1 John 3:1), can sincerely call God “Father”! Such a high privilege should never be taken for granted. We can also use other ways to address God such as “My God, My God” (Matthew 27:46), “Lord” (Acts 1:24) and “Sovereign Lord” (Acts 4:24). Whatever the address, it should be filled with awe, reverence and gratitude.
Praise also focuses on God’s reign: “Your kingdom come, Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven” (Matthew 6:10). At that time, John the Baptizer and Jesus were announcing the kingdom’s imminent arrival (Matthew 4:17, 23; 5:20; 7:21). Shortly thereafter, the kingdom did come with power (Mark 9:1; Acts 1:8), and true Christians are now in that kingdom (Colossians 1:13 cf. John 3:3-5). But many people have yet to accept Jesus as King, and we pray earnestly for God’s reign to come into their lives. We also pray for obedience on earth to reflect heaven. Complete surrender treats God as supreme in every aspect of life. This is the same total submission practiced by Jesus Himself.