In this third and final part of The Model Prayer, we shall look at God’s provisions for His children when they pray, and how we can maximize these provisions for a fulfilled living. Below are the opportunities God has provided for us in prayer to access heaven’s resources.

Divine Provision, an Answer to Prayer – ‘Give Us Day by Day Our Daily Bread’

Give us day by day, our daily bread – Luke 11:3

As God’s children, God is not only concerned about our spiritual wellbeing, but our physical welfare also. This is the reason why Christ made this a vital component of The Model Prayer. For each day that passes, God has a store of provision for each of His children. Jesus reiterated this reality in His teaching on the mount, “And he (God) will give you all you need from day to day if you live for him and make the Kingdom of God your primary concern” (Matthew 6:33, NLT).This is a firm assurance we can confidently depend on. As we live for God and make His Kingdom our priority, our daily supply is guaranteed. This prayer does not in any way encourage laziness nor does it discourage planning. God provides our daily bread in various ways. Firstly, He blesses the works of our hands (business, entrepreneurship, jobs, etc.)

As God’s children, God is not only concerned about our spiritual wellbeing, but our physical welfare also.

In addition, God could also provide for us by giving us wisdom for success, health, and favour, using men to bless us. We are encouraged not to worry about the days ahead, rather “Give your attention to what God is doing right now, and don’t get worked up about what may or may not happen tomorrow. God will help you deal with whatever hard things come up when the time comes” (Matthew 6:34, MSG).  The Apostle Paul also corroborated this truth in His letter to the Philippian Church by charging them saying, “Don’t fret or worry. Instead of worrying, pray. Let petition and praises shape your worries into prayers, letting God know your concerns” (Philippians 4:6, MSG). The global economy may be failing right now, but Heaven’s economy never runs out of supply. So, rather than worrying, channel your energy to praying, ‘Give us day by day, our daily bread’!

The global economy may be failing right now, but Heaven’s economy never runs out of supply. So, rather than worrying, channel your energy to praying

The Blessing of Forgiveness – ‘And Forgive Us Our Sins…’

And forgive us our sins, for we also forgive everyone who is indebted to us. And do not lead us into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one – Luke 11:4

Bearing with one another, and forgiving one another, if anyone has a complaint against another; even as Christ forgave you, so you also must do – Colossians 3:13

It is a great blessing to know that our sins have been paid for and that we have forgiveness in Christ Jesus. The sacrificial and atoning works of Christ make this provision available to all who come to Him in genuine repentance. Even though God does not expect us to continue sinning after we have been saved from sin, He still has made provision for our forgiveness, should we err (1 John 3:9; 2:1-2; 1:9). The Psalmist, who had experienced forgiveness of sins, expressed the blessedness and joy of being forgiven thus, “Blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered” (Psalms 32:1). Christ, in His teaching on prayer instructs us to ask for forgiveness only on the condition that we forgive others. Christ cautioned that “… it is impossible that no offenses should come…” (Luke 17:1).

Life is more enjoyable when we make room for forgiveness. With each passing day, offenses abound, but we must receive grace to always forgive. In response to Peter’s question on how often should forgiveness be practiced, Jesus answered by using a figurative expression to state the unlimited nature of forgiveness (Matthew 18:21-22). If God forgives the vilest of sinners, there is no limit to which we should forgive those who offend us (Ephesians 4:32). Prayer provides us the opportunity to receive forgiveness, and in turn, practice it. Our prayer scales every satanic resistance when we forgive and are forgiven.

Life is more enjoyable when we make room for forgiveness. With each passing day, offenses abound, but we must receive grace to always forgive.

Prayer, A Key to Overcoming Temptations – ‘And Lead Us Not Into Temptations…’

And forgive us our sins, for we also forgive everyone who is indebted to us. And do not lead us into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one – Luke 11:4

No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it – 1 Corinthians 10:13

Temptations are a usual part of our daily lives. Not being ready for one is like going to write an examination without preparation. There is no doubt that we will always be confronted with temptations but God has made a way of escape from every temptation (1Corinthians 10:13). This Scripture also reveals that God in His faithfulness will not allow us to be tempted beyond what we are able to bear. If Christ, while He was on earth was tempted, likewise, we shall be tempted too. Our victory over temptations is largely dependent on our prayer lives; little wonder, Christ had to make it the concluding part of His teaching on prayer.

Knowing the importance of prayer in overcoming temptations, Jesus charged the slumbering disciples at the garden of Gethsemane, saying, “Watch and pray, lest you enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak” (Matthew 26:41). God, on His part, is faithfully committed to helping us overcome temptation. Therefore, we must do our part by watching and praying to ensure we do not fall into temptation. In overcoming temptation, prayer is like an explosive detector that helps detect and clear our path of every satanic arrangement against us. Prayer keeps us spiritually alert to the wiles of the evil one and ensures our deliverance from all evil.

In overcoming temptation, prayer is like an explosive detector that helps detect and clear our path of every satanic arrangement against us

Having this understanding of The Model Prayer, let us pattern our prayer lives after the order of this model set forth by Christ for us. The essence of this is to spur us to the place of prayer like our Master, Jesus, and not just for religious recitation. May your prayer life be strengthened as you meditate on this piece in Jesus’ name, amen.