MAY 13

The Lord’s Prayer

Bible Reading: Matthew 6:5-15

This familiar prayer is commonly referred to as the “Lord’s Prayer,” but Jesus never actually prayed it Himself, for He had no need to pray “forgive us our debts.”  Instead, inasmuch as He taught His disciples to pray in this manner, it is better known to us as “The Disciple’s Prayer.”  In contrast to the mindless repetition that typifies many prayers (Matthew 6:7), this prayer serves as guide or model as to the manner in which we are to pray.

We should note that the initial focus in the prayer is upward, the first three requests having to do with matters pertaining to God’s glory.  The remaining three requests are for our own well-being.  God first, ourselves second; His glory before our wants and needs.  Such was the pattern in the Old Testament prayers we’ve examined. And is the model laid out for us here.

We have previously noted that prayer is an act of worship, whereby we acknowledge the “worth-ship” of God—note how this prayer starts there.  We have also seen how prayer expresses our trust in and dependence on God.  That is also at the heart of this prayer.  Note too, the expressed need for forgiveness, which has been a component of many of the prayers we’ve observed.  This prayer reminds us again how we need to be careful to avoid a “laundry list” approach to praying focused on just our immediate needs.  From the start the prayer emphasizes our relationship to our Father who is in heaven, and its our relationship to Him that matters most.

There is much for us to think on here in this glorious prayer, but that great preacher Charles Spurgeon well summarized some important thoughts.  So, here’s what he had to say in one of his “Morning and Evening” devotionals:

“This prayer begins where all true prayer must commence, with the spirit of adoption, ‘Our Father.’ There is no acceptable prayer until we can say, ‘I will arise, and go unto my Father.’ This child-like spirit soon perceives the grandeur of the Father ‘in heaven,’ and ascends to devout adoration, ‘Hallowed be Thy name.’ The child lisping, ‘Abba, Father,’ grows into the cherub crying, ‘Holy, Holy, Holy.’

There is but a step from rapturous worship to the glowing missionary spirit, which is a sure outgrowth of filial love and reverent adoration—’Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven.’

Next follows the heartfelt expression of dependence upon God—’Give us this day our daily bread.’

Being further illuminated by the Spirit, he discovers that he is not only dependent, but sinful, hence he entreats for mercy, ‘Forgive us our debts as we forgive our debtors:’ and being pardoned, having the righteousness of Christ imputed, and knowing his acceptance with God, he humbly supplicates for holy perseverance, ‘Lead us not into temptation.’

The man who is really forgiven, is anxious not to offend again; the possession of justification leads to an anxious desire for sanctification.

‘Forgive us our debts,’ that is justification; ‘Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil,’ that is sanctification in its negative and positive forms.

As the result of all this, there follows a triumphant ascription of praise, ‘Thine is the kingdom, the power, and the glory, for ever and ever, Amen.’

We rejoice that our King reigns in providence and shall reign in grace, from the river even to the ends of the earth, and of His dominion there shall be no end. Thus, from a sense of adoption, up to fellowship with our reigning Lord, this short model of prayer conducts the soul.”

“Lord, teach us to pray.” – Luke 11:1

CHILDREN OF THE HEAVENLY FATHER

Children of the heav’nly Father
safely in his bosom gather;
nestling bird nor star in heaven
such a refuge e’er was given.

God his own doth tend and nourish;
in his holy courts they flourish.
From all evil things he spares them;
in his mighty arms he bears them.

Neither life nor death shall ever
from the Lord his children sever;
unto them his grace he showeth,
and their sorrows all he knoweth.

Though he giveth or he taketh,
God his children ne’er forsaketh;
his the loving purpose solely
to preserve them pure and holy.

Unknown's avatar

Author: looking2jesus13

Jerry L. Conklin was born and raised in Hillsboro, Oregon. After graduating from high school, he enlisted in the United States Navy and served for six years in the Navy’s Nuclear Power Program. He was assigned to the USS *Omaha* (SSN-692), a nuclear-powered fast-attack submarine, where he served as a reactor-plant electrical operator. His military service took him to ports and locations throughout the world and provided extensive technical training, leadership experience, and an enduring appreciation for those who serve in the Armed Forces. Following his Navy service, Jerry earned a bachelor’s degree in Nuclear Technology from Thomas Edison State University. He worked at the Trojan Nuclear Plant near Rainier, Oregon, first as a reactor operator and later as a training specialist. After sensing God’s call to pastoral ministry, he left the nuclear-power industry and earned a master’s degree in theology from Western Conservative Baptist Seminary in Portland, Oregon. Jerry served for twenty-seven and a half years as senior pastor of Lewis and Clark Bible Church in Astoria, Oregon. During those years, he preached and taught the Scriptures, provided pastoral counseling, performed weddings and memorial services, trained church leaders, and served individuals and families throughout the community. He also served as a fire department chaplain and participated in a variety of community ministries. After retiring from full-time pastoral ministry, Jerry and his wife, Laura, moved to Heppner, Oregon. There he served for approximately four years as a chaplain with Pioneer Memorial Home Health and Hospice, providing spiritual and emotional support to more than 150 patients and their families. In 2023, the Oregon Association for Home Care honored him as its Chaplain of the Year. Jerry also helped establish South Morrow County Seniors Matter, a nonprofit organization created to address the needs of older adults following the COVID-19 pandemic. As chairman, he worked with community leaders and volunteers to develop a weekly senior meal program, a monthly veterans’ lunch, and other activities and services. The organization served hundreds of seniors, mobilized more than 200 volunteers, and received statewide and national recognition. In 2025, Jerry was named Heppner’s Man of the Year, and his community service was later recognized by United States Senator Jeff Merkley. International missions have also been an important part of Jerry’s ministry. He has made ten trips to Uganda, where he has taught at pastors’ conferences, preached in churches, participated in Bible-school graduations, distributed Bibles and Christian materials, and encouraged local pastors and ministry leaders. He developed the discipleship booklet *First Steps with Jesus* to help new believers understand and grow in their faith. Jerry is the author of numerous books, Bible studies, devotionals, and teaching resources, including works centered on prayer, Christian hope, spiritual growth, and the person of Jesus Christ. His decades of preaching and teaching reflect his commitment to presenting biblical truth clearly, practically, and faithfully. Jerry and Laura were married for nearly forty-two years and raised four children. They were also blessed with three grandchildren. Laura passed away in August 2025 following an eight-and-a-half-year battle with cancer. Jerry currently lives in Hillsboro, where he helps care for his elderly father. He continues to preach, teach, write, and serve others through pastoral and community ministry.

Leave a comment