The Lord’s Prayer is all about the Lord
Pastor Mark Cares
“It’s not all about you.” People often say that out of frustration. Sometimes it’s because the person they address wants all the attention. Other times they play the victim. Either way, it’s irritating. So much so, that we finally blurt out: “It’s not all about you!”
Other times, however, it’s spoken quite gently. A coach comforts a player who thinks he was the one who lost the game. “It’s not all about you.”
This is what the Lord is telling us in the Lord’s Prayer. With it, Jesus espouses a different approach to prayer than ones commonly used. One approach that comes naturally is focusing on myself. “Lord, I’m sorry for what I did.” Or “Lord, I need your help.” Another approach frequently advocated is to begin with praise or thanksgiving.
In the Lord’s Prayer, Jesus didn’t teach either of these approaches. After addressing God as our Father, Jesus doesn’t teach us to focus on our sins or problems. Nor does he begin with praise or thanksgiving. No, the first half of the prayer is all about the Lord and making him the priority in our lives.
“Hallowed be your name.” It’s all about the Lord’s name, his reputation, not mine. “Lord, as your child, let me do nothing to dishonor your name. More than that. Help me to enhance your reputation by talking about the wonderful things you have done.”
“Your kingdom come.” It’s not about increasing my influence; it’s all about the Lord’s ruling influence. “Lord, bring more people to trust in your love. Increase your influence on me and all believers. Help me to always trust that you are in control.”
“Your will be done on earth as it is heaven.” It’s all about the Lord’s will, not mine. “Lord, help me make my will subservient to your will. “
These three petitions make me think of how an eye doctor tests our eyesight. Just like he sharpens our focus so God uses these petitions to sharpen our focus on the Lord’s priorities and not on our own. It’s not all about us, it’s all about the Lord’s reputation, influence, will.
It’s only after this, that Jesus brings up our sins and needs. But. . .does he really? Yes and no. The last four petitions all deal with things the Lord has already promised to us! It’s all about remembering his promises!
“Give us today our daily bread.“ Jesus told us not to worry about what we will eat or wear. Our Father will provide for us. (Matthew 6:25-34)
“Forgive us our debts” God has already done that. “As far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us.” (Psalm 103;12)
“Lead us not into temptation “. “God does not tempt anyone.” (James 1:13)
“Deliver us from evil”. “In all things God works for the good of those who love him” (Romans 8:28).
These petitions are all about asking the Lord to help us remember and trust in his promises!
It’s all about the Lord and not about us – that is how Jesus responded when his disciples asked him how to pray. Viewing the Lord’s Prayer from this perspective has helped me tremendously. Remembering his priorities helps me to plan my day to better reflect his priorities. Remembering his promises enables me to go confidently through the day.
It’s not all about us. It’s all about the Lord. What a tremendous relief this is.