Christ's pattern for prayer

How should we pray? How should we pray under our present circumstances? If we are Christians, we have an answer to that question, drawn from the example and instruction of our Lord.

In these verses, we see first the Lord's habit of prayer, a commitment to both regular and occasional investments of time and energy to seeking the face of his Father.

We see next the disciples' questions about prayer, seeking to be taught and willing to be instructed because of the spirit and substance of our Lord's own prayer.

Finally, we learn the Lord's pattern for prayer: an address to the heavenly Father, followed by requests for the honour of the divine Name, the progress of the heavenly kingdom, the supremacy of the holy will, the provision of our daily needs, the forgiveness of our many sins, and the protection of our feeble souls.

The Lord himself sets our agenda for prayer, providing in these broad strokes a reminder of his will and his work for his people under all circumstances.