An Outline for Daily Prayer

In Matthew 6:6-13 Jesus provides an outline for daily prayer. This passage is often referred to as "The Lord's Prayer" but we know that Jesus never prayed this prayer because He never needed to ask for his "transgressions" to be forgiven. This prayer is also prayed as a liturgy, but it was not intended to just be recited from memory. Jesus provides an outline for us to pray daily as we go about activities. There are 5 main areas of focus in this prayer.

1. Enhancement of God's Reputation ("Hallowed be Your Name") - this is praying that as we go about our daily activities, that we represent Christ and that His reputation is enhanced by how we conduct ourselves at home, at work, at school, in our times of recreation. That is, in all of our activities.
2. Advancement of God's Agenda ("Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven") - this is part of prayer asks God to use us to help reach people for Christ. It is praying that we will have the opportunity to help lead people to Jesus. This will help us to focus on sharing Christ and praying for opportunities for that.
3. Our Material Needs ("give us this day our daily bread") - this reminds us that God is the provider of all of our needs. We respond in thanksgiving for what he has provided: food, clothes, place to live, heat, and so much more.
4. Forgiveness ("forgive us our debts as we forgive our debtors) - we are reminded that we need to seek God's forgiveness on a daily basis, in fact, as soon as it is brought to our attention that we have "missed the mark" in our relationship with Christ. But this passage also reminds us that we must forgive those who have sinned against us.
5. Spiritual Protection ("lead us not into temptation") - the Bible plainly teaches that God does not tempt anyone to sin (James 1:13). This is a prayer that we might be sensitive to the Holy Spirit and His leading in our lives in regards to what we should do, and shouldn't do. Praying that we might be able to see the spiritual land mines which are around us. It is also a prayer that we might not miss the good works that God has planned for us to carry out this day (Eph. 2:10).

This provides a great outline for us to pray each day as we prepare to live for Christ and serve Him.