The prayer of Matthew 6 is often called The Lord’s Prayer. Yes, the Lord gives it as a model. But Jesus was not praying for Himself when He said, “forgive us our debts” (Matthew 6:12). Jesus never committed sins—spiritual debts—and needed no forgiveness. So Matthew 6 shows us the disciple’s prayer, and it has much to teach us.
If we are looking for the most complete “Lord’s Prayer,” we should consider John 17. This prayer is unique. It is longer in recorded content than any other prayer of Jesus. It appears to have been public, offered near the time of the last Passover with His disciples. Never again would any other be able to pray from the unique perspective of Jesus in that historical climax.
Yet the remarkable insight offers much for us to imitate. Though He was praying for things yet to come, He spoke as if victory had already been accomplished. Though He faced great sorrow, He spoke of glory and joy. This is the kind of assurance in prayer which He had already taught the disciples. Jesus was facing death. Material needs were nearly over for Him. His prayer shows that when the focus comes down to the most essential things, they are spiritual (Luke 10:40-42; Philippians 3:8-15). As we grow more mature, we will find that the spiritual interests are more compelling.