Matthew 6:9-13 (The Lord's Prayer) - Universal Perspective
The Lord's Prayer is Jesus' model for prayer, moving from God-centered petitions (name, kingdom, will) to human needs (bread, forgiveness, protection). "Our Father" establishes intimate yet reverent relationship with the Creator.
INTERPRETIVE NOTES: The prayer's structure—address, three "you" petitions, three "us" petitions—reflects covenant priorities. "Hallowed" (hagiazō) means to treat as holy; "daily" (epiousios) is unique to this text.
PREACHING ANGLES: Prayer begins with who God is, not what we need, Kingdom first, then provision, We forgive because we are forgiven
SHOW DON'T TELL:\n Before: Jesus taught his disciples how to pray
After: Feel your knees hit the floor, breath short with need, and then—'Our Father'—the words unlock something, you're not begging a distant deity but climbing into a lap, held, heard
IMAGERY ELEMENTS: child approaching father, bread on table, dawn breaking (kingdom coming)
CAUTIONS: Don't use as magic formula, Avoid mindless repetition Jesus warns against
Topics & Themes
Application Points
- Prayer begins with who God is, not what we need
- Kingdom first, then provision
- We forgive because we are forgiven
Powered by ChurchWiseAI
This illustration is a preview of what our AI-powered ministry platform can do. ChurchWiseAI offers a full suite of tools built for pastors and church leaders.
Sermon Companion
Build entire sermons with AI — outlines, illustrations, application points, and slide decks tailored to your tradition.
Ministry Chatbot
An AI assistant trained on theology, counseling frameworks, and church administration to help with any ministry question.
Bible Study Builder
Generate discussion guides, devotionals, and small group materials from any passage — in minutes, not hours.
Try any app free for 7 days — no credit card required.
Get Started