The Lord’s Prayer: The Outline for Prayer Given to Us by Jesus

In response to the Apostles’ request to be taught how to pray (Luke 11:1,) Jesus gave them what has become known as the Lord’s Prayer when in reality it could be called the Disciples’ Prayer since it was given to them and us (Matthew 6:9-13. Luke 11:2-4). Some think it is a prayer we are supposed to religiously recite word for word. Some even treat the Lord’s Prayer as a mantra that will ensure God blesses us. However, realize God is far more interested in our hearts when we pray than He is in just our words (Matthew 6:6,7. Matthew 15:8. Philippians 4:6,7). I believe the Lord’s Prayer should be understood as an outline, a pattern, of how to pray. That is, it gives us the constituent parts that should go into our prayer time as we dialog (i.e., not monolog) with God. This prayer outline, similar to the way the Ten Commandments (1), perfectly address all areas of sin that are to be avoided; the Lord’s Prayer perfectly addresses all areas of our lives that must be developed to live a Christlike life.

In high school, I was a long-distance runner (i.e., 2 miles or 3.2 km race), which meant completing several laps around the track to win the race. With my experience from running track in high school, I have found it helpful to think of each section of this prayer outline as a lap around a track. The track in this analogy is your life; therefore, by running the prayer laps of this track, you will be setting your life in proper alignment with God! Consequently, it is one of the first things I do every day, and I run this race to win no matter how I feel! (1 Corinthians 9:24. Hebrews 12:1) I recall very often not being very excited about starting the daily ten miles (16 km) workout run; however, after finishing the run, I would be so glad I did!

Since there is no better way to learn than from example, I ask that you come along with me on my present daily “prayer run.” I say “present” because while the outline stays the same, God the Holy Spirit will add verses – typically one at a time – as we realize Jesus’ victory in an area. Adding the verse will allow us to focus on addressing another area out of alignment with His will (Mark 10:21). He may also remove verses when you learn them by spiritual heart and have victory over an area of sin in your life (2 Peter 1:4).

Understand that God does not overwhelm us with all the issues we have simultaneously. He reveals them one at a time and rejoices over every baby step we take towards Him! (Mark 10:21. Luke 15:10) Furthermore, the verses the Holy Spirit (1) will bring to your remembrance (John 14:26) while you are running will be uniquely suited for aligning your life to God and not aligning your life to mine (Thank you, Jesus, for I am nothing, and You are everything! 1 Timothy 1:15) What I am giving you is an opportunity to jump-start your life’s race (i.e., aligning your life to God’s word or will) by running alongside someone that has been running this race every morning for decades (1 Corinthians 11:1. Philippians 3:17). I have learned this prayer of Bible verses by heart over the years, and as a new verse is added to it by the Holy Spirit, I will print it out and read it at the Spirit-led place in the prayer until I have learned it by heart, too. You can do similarly by printing out this prayer and reading it until you have what the Lord desires in your spiritual heart, and then you will pray with faith (1) and power (Romans 10:17) (3).

You will note some areas of the prayer have more verses; this is because these are areas typically where many people are doing battle with the enemy and have not fully realized the victory that the LORD Jesus earned for us in that area of their lives (Romans 7:15-25. 2 Peter 1:4). Furthermore, this is not a formal teaching outline on prayer but rather the practical application that I pray daily. While I am praying this prayer, the Holy Spirit will bring to my mind areas to be worked on, impart wisdom, encourage, etc. So, while it may appear to be just the same thing repeatedly, in reality, every day is different, just like every run for a runner. When I first started running, it was difficult and did not seem very rewarding. However, as I persevered, my body became stronger, and the runs became rewarding. Likely, it will be similar when you first start praying this prayer; it may not seem all that rewarding as it is only coming out of your head. However, as you persevere, you will the prayer will come out of your spiritual heart (1), and then you will find it rewarding beyond words!

Furthermore, I have learned to focus on two areas during my life’s journey, areas where I am weak and areas where I am strong. Focusing on weak areas is intuitive; however, we must also focus on our strengths to not allow overconfidence to give place to the enemy of our souls (1 Corinthians 10:12. Hebrews 2:1). So, if you are a seasoned Christian or a newcomer, let us start running these prayer laps together!

I. Our Father who is in Heaven:

You are the King, immortal invisible, the only wise God to whom be glory forever! (1) (1 Timothy 1:17) I come boldly to the throne of grace to obtain mercy and to discover grace to help in time of need (Hebrews 4:16)(2). Lord, You are God, who made heaven and earth and the sea, and all that is in them, “who by the mouth of Your servant David have said: Why did the nations rage, And the people plot vain things? The kings of the earth took their stand, And the rulers were gathered together Against the LORD and against His Christ. For truly against Your holy Servant Jesus, whom You anointed, both Herod and Pontius Pilate, with the Gentiles and the people of Israel, were gathered together to do whatever Your hand and Your purpose determined before to be done. Now, Lord, look on their threats and grant to Your servants that with all boldness they may speak Your word, by stretching out Your hand to heal, and that signs and wonders may be done through the name of Your holy Servant Jesus (Acts 4:24-30).

II. Holy is Your name:

I thank you, Father (1), for the angels (1) they are ministering spirits sent forth to minister to and for the heirs of salvation (Hebrews 1:14) They excel in strength, they obey the Word of God hearkening to the voicing of your Word, and they protect me in all my ways (Psalms 103:20). I thank you that the Angel of the Lord encamps around me and chases all evil away from me (Psalms 34:7. Psalms 35:5,6). Thank you for the wisdom to cooperate with Your angels today and the wisdom to evaluate them in the future (James 1:5,6. Hebrews 1:14. 1 Corinthians 6:3). Angels of the Lord go forth today and minister to and for the heirs of salvation in the authority of the Lord Jesus’ Name! (Hebrews 1:14. Acts 4:12) Jesus, You are the Lord of the Angelic Armies of Heaven! Yahweh-Sabaoth (1), (Psalms 24:10. James 5:4)

Finally, being strong in the Lord and the power of His might, I put on the complete armor of God (1) that I might be able to stand against the attacks of the enemy, and having done all to stand, I stand (1)(Ephesians 6:10-13).

I put on the belt of truth; your Word is the truth (Ephesians 6:14. John 17:17). Your Word have I hid in my heart that I might not sin against you (Psalms 119:11). Your Word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path (Psalms 119:105). How shall a young person cleanse his way? By taking heed according to Your Word (Psalms 119:9). Jesus, you are the Lord that is more than enough El-Shaddai (1), (Genesis 17:1. Philippians 4:19). You are the Lord, our provider! Yahweh-Yireh (1), Genesis 22:14. Matthew 6:33). In the Authority of the name of Jesus, by the Blood of God who became flesh, by the Cross that bore my sin away, and by the Spirit of Holiness who raised Christ from the dead, I bind all evil from operating against me and declare I am loosed from the snares of the enemy of our souls who only comes to steal, kill and destroy! (Philippians 2:8-10. Hebrews 2:14,15. 1 John 4:2. Galatians 3:13. Romans 8:11. Matthew 16:19. John 10:10)

I put on the breastplate of righteousness (Ephesians 6:14). You made Him that knew no sin to be sin for me that I might become the righteousness of God in Christ Jesus (2 Corinthians 5:21). Jesus has been made unto me wisdom, righteousness, sanctification, and redemption (1 Corinthians 1:30). I have awakened to righteousness and sin no more (1 Corinthians 15:34). By the beautiful blood of Jesus, I have been made righteous (Romans 5:9). I protect my heart with all diligence for out of it flow the sources of life (Proverbs 4:23). As I walk in the light of as Jesus is in the light we have fellowship with one another and the blood of Jesus cleanses me from all sin (1 John 1:7). When I confess my sins you are faithful and just to forgive me of my sins and to cleanse me from all unrighteousness (1 John 1:9). Jesus, you are the Lord our righteousness! Yahweh-Tsidkenu (1), Jeremiah 33:16. 2 Corinthians 5:21).

I put the preparation of the Gospel of Peace on my feet, making me receptive to others, for I choose to give grace, mercy, and compassion (1) and not judgment (Ephesians 6:15. Romans 10:15). I am quick to forgive, quick to be forgiven, quick to forgive (Matthew 6:14. Matthew 5:7). I choose today to have an attitude of gratitude! (1) (1 Thessalonians 5:18) I choose not to be anxious about anything. Instead, in every situation, through prayer and petition with thanksgiving, I tell my requests to God, and the peace of God that surpasses all understanding guards my heart and mind in Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:6,7). Jesus, you are the Lord our peace! Yahweh-Shalom (1), (Judges 6:23,24. John 14:27) I do not have a spirit of fear but of power, love, and self-control! (2 Timothy 1:7)

I put on the helmet of salvation (Ephesians 6:17). I choose today not to conform to this World’s way of thinking but rather be transformed by the renewing of my mind to Your Word that I may know your good, fully pleasing, and perfect will (Romans 12:2). I trust in You Lord with all my heart and lean not unto my understanding. In all my ways, I acknowledge You, and You direct my paths. I choose not to be wise in my own eyes but rather fearing You Lord, I turn away from evil, and You bring healing to my flesh and strength to my bones (Proverbs 3:5-8). Jesus, you are the Lord our sanctification Yahweh-M’Kaddesh (1), (Leviticus 20:26. John 17:17) and the Lord, our Healer! Yahweh-Rapha (1), (Exodus 15:26, Matthew 8:16,17)

I take up the shield of faith with which I quench all the fiery darts of the enemy! (Ephesians 6:16) Faith comes by hearing and hearing by the Word of God (Romans 10:17). I count it all joy when I fall into various trials and tribulations (1) for the trying of my faith produces perseverance and perseverance has its perfect work making me perfect and complete lacking nothing (James 1:2-4). Tribulation produces endurance (1), endurance produces character, character produces hope, and hope does not disappoint because the love of God is shed abroad in our heart by You Holy Spirit who has been given to us (Romans 5:3-5). Jesus, you are the Lord our shield! Yahweh-Magen (1), (Psalms 28:7. John 17:15)

I wield the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God alive and powerful sharper than any two-edged sword dividing the soul and of spirit, joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the spiritual heart (Ephesians 6:17,18. Hebrews 4:12). Set a watch over my mouth to keep the door of my lips that I may only say things today that are full of grace and truth (Psalms 141:3. Ephesians 4:29. Ephesians 5:4. Colossians 3:8,9. Colossians 4:6) Jesus, you are the Lord our victory, and we rally around your banner of conquest! Yahweh-Nissi (1), (Exodus 17:15. 1 Corinthians 15:57)

The Glory of God is my rear God! (Isaiah 58:8) Thank you, Lord Jesus, for having my back! Jesus, you are the ever-present Lord! Yahweh-Shammah (1), (Ezekiel 48:35. Hebrews 13:5)

You are the Lord the highest God! EL-Elyon (1) (Genesis 14:22) Jesus, You are the Lord my Shepherd (Yahweh-Rohi (1), Psalms 23:1. Hebrews 13:20). The LORD is my shepherd (1); I lack nothing. He takes me to lush pastures; He leads me to refreshing water. He restores my strength. He leads me down the right path for the sake of his reputation. Even when I must walk through the darkest valley, I fear no danger, for you are with me; your rod and your staff reassure me. You prepare a feast before me in plain sight of my enemies. You refresh my head with oil; my cup is completely full. Surely your goodness and faithfulness will pursue me all my days, and I will live in the LORD’s house for the rest of my life. (Psalms 23)

I choose today not to have any other God besides You (1) (Exodus 20:3) Please bring to my remembrance unrepented times (4) I have worshipped another God that I might repent (5).

I choose today not to have any idols in my life (1) (Exodus 20:4-6). Please reveal and raze any idols in my life as I renounce and repent of them. Lord, teach me your jealousy (Exodus 20:4-6).

I choose today not to use your name in vain (1), for You do not count them guiltless that do (Exodus 20:7). Please bring to my remembrance occasions when I have used your name in vain that I might repent. Please set a watch over my mouth that I would only speak words filled with grace, seasoned with the salt of Your wisdom and authority including proper timing and duration of the conversation, that I might give grace to those that hear (Psalms 141:3. Ephesians 4:29. Colossians 4:6. Colossians 3:8. James 1:26. Matthew 5:13). Please set a watch over my mind that I only think about things that are true, honorable, just, pure, lovely, commendable, excellent, or praiseworthy (Philippians 4:8). Please set a watch over my eyes so that I will not look at others with lust (Job 31:1. 1 John 2:16. 2 Peter 2:14)

I choose today to not do things in my ability (1) (i.e., dead works) but rather enter your rest doing things in Your ability (i.e., good works). I set aside the Lord’s day as special for You (Exodus 20:8-11. Hebrews 4:9-11. Isaiah 58:5-7). Please show me areas of my life where I have not entered your rest that I might repent.

I choose today to honor my father and mother (1) that I might live long on the Earth (Exodus 20:12). Please bring to my remembrance times I have failed to honor my parents that I might repent. Please teach me how to honor them, and please show me if I am in an unhealthy relationship (1) with my parents that I might repent and be free from it.

I choose today not to commit murder (1), including not hating (Exodus 20:13. Matthew 5:21,22. 1 John 3:15). I choose to be patient and kind not to envy, not to boast, not to be puffed up, not to be rude, not to seek for myself, not to be easily angered, not to think evil thoughts, not to be glad about wrongdoing but rather rejoice in the truth. I choose to bear all things, believe all things, hope all things, endure all things… I choose to never give up on myself or others in giving and receiving Your love (1 Corinthians 13:4-8). I add to my faith excellence, to excellence knowledge, to knowledge self-control, to self-control perseverance, to perseverance godliness, to godliness brotherly kindness, to brotherly kindness the love of God (2 Peter 1:5-8). I choose today, in You Lord Jesus, to bear the fruit of the Spirit, the fruit that remains (John 15:16): love, joy, peace… patience, kindness, goodness… faith, meekness, and self-control (Galatians 5:22,23) for You are the vine, and we are the branches (John 15:5). I choose to operate in the powerful gifts of the Holy Spirit as You will: word of wisdom, word of knowledge, faith – three to help others believe… gifts of healing, working of miracles, prophecy – three to help others receive… discerning of spirits, tongues, and interpretation of tongues – three to keep others from being deceived (1 Corinthians 12:8-10). I choose today to be a “Mercier” and not a “Judger”… loving my enemies, doing good to those that hate me, blessing those that curse me, and praying for those that mistreat me (Luke 6:27,28).

I choose today not to commit adultery (1) (Exodus 20:14). No self-sex, same-sex or sacrilegious sex. No unclean thoughts, no unclean spirits, no unclean acts, no fornication, no sexual lust addictions, no masturbation addiction, no orgasm addiction, no pornography addiction, no incest addiction, no voyeurism addiction, no pedophile addiction, no bestiality addiction, no fantasy addiction, no sadomasochism addiction, no flirting addiction, no sexual addictions whatsoever! (Leviticus 18) Please bring to my remembrance times I have sinned sexually that I might repent.

I choose today not to steal (1) (Exodus 20:15). Please bring to my remembrance times I have stolen that I might repent. (e.g., plagiarism, pirating software, pirating videos or movies, etc.).

I choose today not to lie (1) (Exodus 20:16). Please bring to my remembrance times I have lied that I might repent. (e.g., cheating on taxes, etc.)

I choose today not to covet (1) anything (Exodus 20:17). Please bring to my remembrance times I have coveted that I might repent.

III. Let Your Kingdom come, let Your will be done, as it is in Heaven, also on the Earth:

Come Your Kingdom! Be done, Your will! Today in my life (your name), in my spouse’s life (name), in my child(ren)’s life (lives) (name(s)), in my mother and father’s lives (names)…

Continue declaring the Kingdom of God and His will over those the Lord puts on your heart (e.g., Government officials, pastors, and staff, etc. 1 Timothy 2:1-3) While we cannot, nor will God, override persons will we are speaking a blessing over them; therefore, giving the Angels of God the right to intervene in their lives to further the Kingdom of God on Earth (Acts 10:1-6).

IV. Give us today our daily bread:

I thank you that you meet all my needs today (1) according to your riches in Glory as I seek first your kingdom and its righteousness (Philippians 4:19. Matthew 6:33).

Thank you for a spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of You (1) the eyes of my understanding being enlightened; that I may know what the hope of Your calling is, what are the riches of the glory of Your inheritance in the saints, and what is the exceeding greatness of Your power toward us who believe, according to the working of Your mighty power which You worked in Christ Jesus when You raised Him from the dead and seated Him at Your right hand in the heavenly places, far above all principality and power and might and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this age but also in that which is to come. And You put all things under His feet and gave Him to be head over all things to the church, which is His body, the fullness of Him who fills all in all (Ephesians 1:17-23) That You would grant me, according to the riches of Your glory, to be strengthened with might through Your Spirit in the inner person, that Christ may dwell in my heart through faith; that I, being rooted and grounded in love, may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the width and length and depth and height – to know the love of Christ which passes knowledge; that I may be filled with all the fullness of You God. Now to You who can do exceedingly abundantly above all that I ask or think, according to the power that works in me, to You be glory in the church by Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever (Ephesians 3:16-21). That my love may abound still more and more in knowledge and all discernment, that I may approve the excellent things, that I may be sincere and without offense until the day of Christ, being filled with the fruits of righteousness which are by Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God (Philippians 1:9-11). That I may be filled with the knowledge of His will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding; that I may walk worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing Him, being fruitful in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God; strengthened with all might, according to His glorious power, for all patience and longsuffering with joy (Colossians 1:9-11). That You would count me worthy of Your calling, and fulfill all the good pleasure of Your goodness and the work of faith with power, that the name of our Lord Jesus Christ may be glorified in me, and me in Him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ (2 Thessalonians 1:11,12). That I may increase and abound in love to one another and to all so that You may establish my heart blameless in holiness before You, our God and Father at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ with all His saints (1 Thessalonians 3:12,13) That you, the God of patience and comfort, grant me to be like-minded toward one another, according to Christ Jesus, that I may with one mind and one mouth glorify You… the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! (Romans 15:5,6)

Bless the LORD, O my soul; And all that is within me, bless His holy name! Bless the LORD, O my soul, And forget not all His benefits: Who forgives all my iniquities, Who heals all my diseases, Who redeems my life from destruction, Who crowns me with lovingkindness and tender mercies, Who satisfies my mouth with good things so that my youth is renewed like the eagle. The LORD executes righteousness and justice for all who are oppressed. He made known His ways to Moses, His acts to the children of Israel. The LORD is merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in mercy (Psalms 103:1-8).

So that I might walk in the Spirit and not fulfill the works of the flesh, I ask You Jesus (1) that you fill me anew with Your Holy Spirit (1) even as I speak to others in songs and hymns and spiritual songs singing and making melody in my heart unto the Lord. I build myself up in my most holy faith and keep myself in Your love by praying in the Holy Spirit (Galatians 5:16. Ephesians 5:18,19. Jude 1:20,21)

Make other spiritual requests at this time (e.g., request for the salvation (1) of loved ones asking God to send the perfect witness to them, binding Satan’s blindness from them in Jesus’ Name, and request for wisdom James 1:5) and then transition to physical need requests (Matthew 9:37,38. Matthew 18:18. 2 Corinthians 4:4).

V. Forgive us our debts as we also forgive our debtors:

Search me, oh God, and know my heart, try me and know my fears, see if there is any wicked way in me and lead me in the way everlasting. Form in me a meek, submissive, humble, repentant, and undividedly loyal spiritual heart that trembles at Your Word. Cause me to know Jesus (1) and the power of His resurrection, the fellowship of His suffering conformed to His death to self that I might experience His resurrection in me, which is the hope of Glory! (Psalms 139:23,24. Psalms 51:17. Psalms 86:11. Isaiah 66:2. Philippians 3:10. Colossians 1:27)

Take this time to wait upon the Lord to see if there is any sin in your life that you need to repent or if there is someone you need to forgive (1) (Colossians 3:12,13) or ask forgiveness (Matthew 5:23,24).

VI. Do not lead us into temptation, but deliver us from evil:

No temptation will overtake me today except such as is common to man, but God You are faithful (1), who will not allow me to be tempted beyond what I am able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that I may be able to bear it. For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in You God for pulling down strongholds, casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Jesus Christ and being ready to punish all disobedience when my obedience is fulfilled (1 Corinthians 10:13. 2 Corinthians 10:4-6). Jesus is Lord of my life! (Philippians 2:10. 1 Corinthians 12:3)

I dwell in the secret place of the Highest God; I shall and abide under the shadow of the Almighty. I say of the LORD, He is my refuge and my fortress; My God, in Him I will trust. Surely He shall deliver me from the snare of the Fowler and from the perilous pestilence. He shall cover me with His feathers, And under His wings, I shall take refuge; His truth shall be my shield and buckler. I shall not be afraid of the terror by night, nor of the arrow that flies by day, nor of the pestilence that walks in darkness, nor of the destruction that lays waste at noonday. A thousand may fall at my side, And ten thousand at my right hand; But it shall not come near me. Only with my eyes shall I look, And see the reward of the wicked. Because I have made the LORD, who is my refuge, Even the Highest, my dwelling place, No evil shall befall me, nor shall any plague come near my dwelling; For He shall give His angels charge over me, To keep me in all my ways. In their hands, they shall bear me up, Lest I dash my foot against a stone. I shall tread upon the lion and the cobra, the young lion and the serpent I shall trample underfoot. Because I have set my love upon Him, therefore He will deliver me; He will set me on high because I have known His name. I shall call upon Him, and He will answer me; He will be with me in trouble; He will deliver and honor me. With long life, He will satisfy me, And show me His salvation.” (Psalms 91:1-16)

This is the time in the prayer the Lord may reveal areas that require spiritual warfare (1). If you confessed and repented of sin in an area in the previous lap (i.e., forgive us our debts section of this prayer) then you have removed the authority or right for demons to continue in your life. However, they will typically not leave until commanded to leave in Jesus’ name.

VII. For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory to the ages!

Your kingdom does not consist of food and drink but rather righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit, and it has been your pleasure to share with us Your Kingdom’s Authority – Your AUTHORITY (Romans 14:17. Luke 12:32. Matthew 28:18-20)

All power belongs to You and You have shared it with us your children – Your POWER (Psalms 62:11. Acts 1:8)

You are the glorious Lord God, merciful and gracious, longsuffering, and abounding in goodness and truth, by no means allowing the innocent to remain unvindicated, visiting the righteousness of the fathers for thousands of generations by showing mercy, forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin. However, by no means clearing the guilty, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children and the children’s children; however, to only the third and the fourth generation. You have shared with us Yourself by way of the death, burial, and resurrection of Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, thus making way for us to be filled with the Holy Spirit – Your PERSON (Exodus 34:6,7. Romans 8:9).

I choose today to be willing to be made willing to share my PERSON, my POWER and authority, and my POSSESSIONS with You for You to do with me as You desire!

Amen

This is a great time to just spend in fellowship with the Lord similar to a runner that walks the track to cool down after having an energizing run! (Isaiah 40:28-31. Matthew 11:28-30)

Discover Prayer Series:

Shalom
(Security, Wholeness, Success)
Peace

Dear friend, I pray that all may go well with you and that you may be in good health, just as it is well with your soul. 
(3 John 1:2 NET)

(1) Select the link to open another article with additional information in a new tab.

(2) The verses are listed to show where the text has been derived. In many cases, the scripture verses have been paraphrased to personalize the prayer without changing the meaning or intent.

(3) Featured Image “The Lord’s Prayer” by French painter James Tissot (1836-1902)

(4) To repent (1) is to agree with God that it is wrong and to turn 180 degrees from it and with God’s strength choose never to do it, again. The correct motive for repenting is not simply that you are dissatisfied with the consequences of your sin but rather that you have hurt the one that loves you the most – God (Psalms 51:4. 2 Corinthians 7:9,10. 1 John 4:8)

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