The Lord's Prayer

His Union with the Father (v1)

The most important thing that Jesus did every day was not the miracles, it was not the training of his disciples, it was not even the preaching, but it was the prayer. The time spent in fellowship with the Father.

We consistently see Jesus taking time to be alone with the Father. Here we have the curtain on that most holy union pulled back so that we can witness the content of his prayer.

First notice the union that he had with the Father. This is a term of fellowship, relationship. He is HOLY in verse 11. He is RIGHTEOUS in verse 25, but He is always FATHER throughout.

This union found its expression in prayer. Maybe this year of isolation, of change and disruption in all of our lives is to teach us to pray!

Do you know the reason we worry so much? Well, I’ll tell you worry looks at God through the circumstances. But prayer looks at the circumstances through God. - Adrian Rogers

His Motivation of Glory (v1, 4-5)

Jesus’ purpose was to bring glory to the Father in all that he did!

“The deepest passion of the heart of Jesus was not the saving of men, but the glory of God; and then the saving of men, because that is for the glory of God” - G. Campbell Morgan

Philippians 2:5–11 ESV

5 Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, 6 who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, 7 but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. 8 And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. 9 Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, 10 so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, 11 and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

He has been glorified, the most glorious act of Christ was his sacrificial death on the cross!

His Mission on the Earth (2-4)

His mission was to glorify the Father by bring salvation to sinners.

All that the Father has given me!

I have finished the work you gave me to do! He had revealed the Father. And he was beginning the work of accomplishing the work of salvation. But eternal life starts the moment we know God!

You have a purpose. First it is to know God. In every circumstance, in every situation.

Ephesians 2:8–10 ESV

8 For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, 9 not a result of works, so that no one may boast. 10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.

If you are a Christian, you have a God-given inner purpose to glorify God—but how to do it in your scenario is not always obvious.

If you have a pulse, you have a purpose. It may change with the tide, but it’s presence follows you wherever you go. God gives us each our individual purposes that are to us like a familiar pair of comfy shoes. However, a new pair of shoes should not be un-welcome. The old shoes will eventually need to be thrown out and the new ones embraced as they will soon be as comfortable and well-worn as the old. Celebrate your new purpose. It may seem small and insignificant, but no one can accomplish it but you. - Shelly Hamilton

What is your purpose today? How can you know the Lord better? How can you glorify the name of Christ?