Jesus taught His disciples a so-called pattern prayer. In the simplicity of this prayer we find the heart of our relationship with the Father and our trust in Him for the basic elements of our lives.
MATTHEW 6:9-13
Jesus sat down on the hillside;
His disciples gathered round;
He had many things to teach them —
Simple things, and yet profound.
“When you pray unto the Father,
Don’t be like the hypocrite,
For he loves to pray in public,
Wanting man’s praise, every bit.”
“Go into your inner chamber,
Close the door, pray secretly:
Talk to God, He is your Father;
He’ll reward sincerity.”
“For God knows you, He will answer
Every cry wrung from your heart;
He will give you grace and wisdom
As you quietly come apart.”
“God desires your submission,
For He knows your deepest need.
He will satisfy your longing
If
you let Him take the lead.”
“Do not mutter like the heathen,
For they think they will be heard
For their mindless repetition,
Piling word on empty word!”
“Pray like this,” the Master told them,
“Come to God as He has shown,
Through the courts with adoration,
Boldly to His holy throne.”
“Let the words that I have taught you
Be the pattern for your prayer:
Simple words, yet as you pray them
God will meet and bless you there.”
“Abba, Father, dearest Daddy,
What a joy to come to you!
You’re a father to your children,
Ever faithful, ever true.”
“Can there be a heart more tender,
Overflowing with pure love?
Can there be a Dad that’s kinder
Than you, Father God above?”
“Let your rule of peace and justice
Grow and increase on the earth;
Let your kingdom come in power,
Bringing people to new birth.”
“As your will is done in heaven;
Holy angels haste to do
Gladly, joyfully, your bidding,
For they trust and honour you…”
“So, dear Father, let your people
Do your will down here on earth:
Let your glory, shining through us,
Mirror everywhere your worth.”
“Father, as I kneel before you,
Trusting you to meet my need,
Give me, daily, bread from heaven;
Body, soul and spirit feed.”
“Daddy, how I need forgiveness.
Wash me, cleanse me from my sin;
Let the precious blood of Jesus
Make me pure and whole within.”
“If I gladly free my brother
From the debt he owes to me,
Only then will your forgiveness
Take my debt and set me free.”
“Keep me from the hour of testing;
By myself I cannot stand.
Lest temptation’s lure ensnare me,
Hold me in your powerful hand.”
“Cover me with your protection;
Save me from the devil’s snare;
Keep my feet from slipping, stumbling:
Of his wiles make me aware.”
“Lord, to you belongs the kingdom;
Yours the pow’r, the glory too!
Joyfully I kneel in worship,
Lift your name and honour you.”