The Lord's Prayer: Three essential things we should pray for but often forget

As a Christian, you've likely encountered the Lord's Prayer, possibly even committed it to memory. 

This prayer serves as a guide on how we should communicate with the Lord, following the example set by Jesus himself. 

When we recite the prayer, we ask the Lord to provide for our needs, seek forgiveness for our sins and the sins committed against us, and request deliverance from evil. 

Many of us have mastered this aspect of the prayer. Yet, we often overlook the significance of the first part.

In this article, we will delve into the profound meaning of the initial part of the Lord's Prayer and shed light on why it is crucial not to forget praying for these aspects.

Hallowed be thy Name

The phrase "hallowed be thy Name" in the Lord's Prayer may seem unfamiliar. This is because the word "hallowed" is not commonly used in contemporary English. 

However, when we pray for God's name to be hallowed, we are essentially asking for His name to be consecrated and set apart as holy. 

This flows naturally from the opening line of the prayer, "Our Father, who is in heaven," reminding us that God is distinct from us and resides in eternity.

However, isn't God already holy? Why do we need to pray for His name to be hallowed?

Indeed, He is. But when we pray for His name to be kept holy, we are asking that His name be revered and recognized as sacred not just in general, but specifically among us and in our lives.

In this petition, we humbly ask God to align our thoughts, words, and actions with His holiness. This is so that everything we think, say, and do bring glory and honor to His name. 

We earnestly seek to live in a way that does not tarnish His holy name, that we may not drag it down with us into the depths of sin.

A powerful example of God's name being hallowed can be found in the life of King David. 

In the Old Testament, when David faced the giant Goliath, he demonstrated unwavering faith and trust in God's power. 

David boldly proclaimed, 

"You come against me with sword and spear and javelin, but I come against you in the name of the Lord Almighty, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied" (1 Samuel 17:45, NIV). 

By invoking the name of the Lord, David not only defeated Goliath. He also showcased how God's name was hallowed, revered, and honored in the face of adversity.

Your Kingdome come

The second request in the Lord's Prayer, "Your Kingdom come," means that the Kingdom of God is not entirely in the distant future, nor is it solely a present reality. It is a blend of both. 

Many of the Kingdom's blessings are available for us to enjoy now, while some are yet to come. 

We can experience victory over some of the curses and misery of this world through the presence of the Kingdom. Yet, some battles against sin, Satan, sickness, and death remains to be fought.

Through the death and resurrection of Jesus, a decisive victory has been won against sin, Satan, sickness, and death. However, the war is not over. We must continue to fight against the evils of the world. 

There will be moments wherein we’ll think that God is distant and uninvolved. But praying "your Kingdom come" reminds us that God is actively engaged in the world. 

It aligns our hearts with God's desire for His glory to fill the entire earth. 

Jesus knew the significance of this prayer, for the Bible tells us the true story of what God is doing in the world. 

Despite what we might see with our eyes, the Scriptures assure us that Jesus reigns as Lord, death has been conquered, sin is being subdued, and hope is being restored for the brokenhearted.

As we pray for the Kingdom to come, we are entreating Jesus to rule as Lord over all aspects of our lives and the world around us. 

We long for His peace and justice to prevail. 

It is a plea for God to continue the work of creating a new heaven and a new earth, gathering people from every nation to worship Him, and bringing forth His redemptive plan in fullness.

Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven

The third request in the Lord's Prayer, "Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven," follows naturally from the previous request to hallow God's name and see His Kingdom come. 

Often, we view prayer as a means to ask God for things we desire. 

However, Jesus reminds us that prayer is not primarily about getting our will done by God. It is aligning our will with God's Kingdom purposes.

Moreover, when we pray for God's will to be done on earth, we recognize that there is a better way for this world to function than the fallen state it is in. It then affirms that God deeply cares about the affairs of this earth.

However, praying for God's will to be done requires three essential aspects.

• Submission, which is willingly yielding our will to God's perfect plan.
• Study, which is to meditate on His Word so we can align ourselves with it, and
• Trust, which is to surrender to His will even if it doesn’t align with our desires.

An inspiring example of this submission to God's will is seen in Jesus' own life. 

In the Garden of Gethsemane, Jesus prayed and pleaded with God. He expressed His human desire for the cup of suffering to be removed. 

Yet, in the end, Jesus humbly accepted God's will, saying, "Not my will, but yours be done." 

He willingly bore the weight of God's wrath for sin, embracing the darkness and death of the cross, all for the fulfillment of God's redemptive plan.

Other things to Pray for

Although not explicitly mentioned in the Lord's Prayer, there are other essential aspects that you can include in your prayers to deepen your connection with God and expand your intercessory reach. Here are some of them.

Praise God

Express your adoration and gratitude for His goodness, power, and love. Praise Him for His wondrous creations and the countless blessings He has bestowed upon you.

Salvation of others

Lift those who have yet to experience the saving grace of Jesus Christ. 

Intercede on behalf of friends, family, and even strangers, asking that God's love and mercy may touch their hearts, leading them to repentance and faith in Christ.

Ability to love enemies

Pray for the ability to love your enemies. 

This can be a challenging task. But by seeking God's help, you can develop a heart of compassion and forgiveness towards those who have wronged you.

Wisdom and knowledge for the leaders of the earth

Leaders bear significant responsibilities, and their decisions impact countless lives. Ask God to grant them wisdom to lead with integrity, compassion, and justice. 

Pray that they may seek His guidance and make decisions that promote peace and prosperity for all.

Spiritual growth

Ask God to deepen your understanding of His Word, to fill you with the Holy Spirit's wisdom, and to transform you into the image of Christ. 

Pray for increased faith, love, and obedience in your walk with God, that you may bear fruit for His Kingdom and be a light to others.

Prayerful Life

Embrace the beauty and power of a prayerful life. It is in prayer you draw closer to the heart of God and experience His profound presence. 

Moreover, don't forget the significance of the initial part of the Lord's Prayer.

Humbly seek for His name to be hallowed among us and in your life. 

Yearn for His Kingdom to come, where His love and justice reign supreme. 

And with a sincere heart, pray for His will to be done on earth as it is in heaven, aligning your desires with His divine purpose.

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