Many Christians want to have a good prayer life but often wonder what makes for an effective prayer. Jesus answers this concern in Matthew (6:9-13) as He teaches His followers how they should pray. First, Jesus says, we ought to pray, “Our Father in heaven, hallowed be Your name.” In this, Jesus is telling us a good prayer acknowledges the preeminence of God.
Second, Jesus tells us to pray saying, “Your kingdom come, Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.” In this, Jesus is teaching us that a good prayer gives God the priority in all things.
Third, Jesus tells us to pray saying, “Give us this day our daily bread…” In this, Jesus is telling us to ask God for our daily provisions.
Fourth, Jesus tells us to pray saying, “And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. In this, Jesus is instructing us to ask for and extend pardon.
Fifth, Jesus tells us to pray saying, “And do not lead us into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.” In this, Jesus is telling us to pray for perseverance as we endure the attacks of the devil.
And sixth, Jesus tells us to pray saying, “For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.” In this, Jesus is telling to pray to God expressing praise to His name.
This prayer found in Matthew (6:9-13) is in no way to be viewed as a formula prayer that is to be repeated again and again. Rather, it serves as an example as to the simple elements that make for an effective prayer to God. As we go in prayer to our Heavenly Father in the name of Jesus we should pray including the elements of preeminence, priority, provisions, pardon, perseverance, and praise.