The Lord's Prayer
Daily Bible Studies for the Week of April 27, 2009
This Week’s Scripture: Matthew 6:9-13
Matthew 6:9-13 New Living Translation
9 Pray like this: Our Father in heaven, may your name be kept holy.
10 May your Kingdom come soon. May your will be done on earth, as it is in heaven.
11 Give us today the food we need,
12 and forgive us our sins, as we have forgiven those who sin against us.
13 And don't let us yield to temptation, but rescue us from the evil one.
Compare with Matthew 6:9-13 New International Version
9"This, then, is how you should pray: "'Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, 10 your kingdom come, your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. 11 Give us today our daily bread. 12 Forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. 13 And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.'
Compare with Matthew 6:9-13 MOT (Pastor Chris’ Translation)
9Therefore, pray thus: Our Father, the One in the heavens; holy (hallowed) shall be your name. 10Let your Kingdom come; let your will come about as in heaven, also on earth. 11Give us today our bread for today and for the coming day. 12And forgive us the debts (sins, wrongs) of us as we also forgave our debtors (those who have sinned against us or wronged us.) 13And do not bring us into temptation, but rescue us from the evil one.
Monday
Prayer: Our Heavenly Father, thank You for giving us the opportunity to call You “Father” through Your Son, Jesus! I pray that as I go about this day that You will fill me with the Holy Spirit that I may live my life in a manner worthy of being called Your child. Let my life bring You the glory and honor You deserve. This I pray in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Reflection on God’s Word:
9 Pray like this: Our Father in heaven,
What is the significance of Jesus telling us to pray “Our” Father?
What is the significance of Jesus telling us that God is our “Father”?
Today’s Challenge: I will live with the recognition that since God is our Father, that all I think, say and do today represents HIM to those around me!
Tuesday
Prayer: Heavenly Father, Thank You again for giving us the privilege to come before You as Your children! I praise You that You don’t call us slaves, that You don’t ignore us, but that You care for us more than we can imagine. Give me the courage to live as Your child in every area of my life today. This I pray in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Reflection on God’s Word:
9"This, then, is how you should pray: "'Our Father in heaven,
What difference is there between the NLT and the NIV of this statement? Are the differences significant? Why or why not?
What will you do today to show others that God IS your Heavenly Father?
Today’s Challenge: I will give God control of every area of my life today, so others will see that He IS my Heavenly Father!
Wednesday
Prayer: Heavenly Father, guide me today as Your child. Show me Your ways through Your written word, and by Your Holy Spirit that You may hear and obey Your will. This I pray in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Reflection on God’s Word:
9Therefore, pray thus: Our Father, the One in the heavens;
What are the differences in this translation and the previous two for this verse? Are the differences significant? Why or why not?
Why do you think this translation calls God “the One in the heavens”? and the “heavens” is plural?
Today’s Challenge: I will remember that God’s leadership in my life is more faithful than any human Father could ever be, and that His direction is ALWAYS true!
Thursday
Prayer: Heavenly Father, Thank You for knowing what I need before I ask, and for providing for my needs! I pray today that rather than babbling on, you would show me exactly what I need to say and do to bring You honor. This I pray in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Reflection on God’s Word:
7“When you pray, don’t babble on and on as people of other religions do. They think their prayers are answered merely by repeating their words again and again. 8Don’t be like them, for your Father knows exactly what you need even before you ask him! Matthew 6:7-8 NLT
Why do you think Jesus found it necessary to exhort us not to “babble on”?
What do you need to do to improve Your times of prayer with God?
Today’s Challenge: I will trust that God knows what I need before I ask Him and will therefore ask Him clearly and succinctly for what I need!
Friday
Prayer: Heavenly Father, Thank You for being the Father to the fatherless and the defender of widows! Thank You for being there for me no matter when I call on You! Fill me with Your Spirit that I may also provide for those in need, not only with my material goods, but with my compassion. This I pray in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Reflection on God’s Word:
4Sing praises to God and to his name! Sing loud praises to him who rides the clouds. His name is the LORD—rejoice in his presence! 5Father to the fatherless, defender of widows—this is God, whose dwelling is holy. 6God places the lonely in families; he sets the prisoners free and gives them joy. Ps. 68:4-6 NLT
What do you find out about God as Father in these verses?
What is the most important truth for you in this reading?
Today’s Challenge: I will call on God to strengthen me that I may be compassionate to those around me, who have no one to defend them!
Saturday
Prayer: Heavenly Father, I don’t want to be a foolish and senseless person who disregards You, and Your leadership in my life. Fill me with Your Holy Spirit so I may honor you in every way! This I pray in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Reflection on God’s Word:
6Is this the way you repay the LORD, you foolish and senseless people? Isn’t he your Father who created you? Has he not made you and established you? Deut. 32:6 NLT
Read the context of Deut. 32:6. Why was Moses admonishing the people?
What do you learn from this verse that helps you keep God first?
Today’s Challenge: I will keep God FIRST in everything!