In Praying the Lord’s Prayer, J. I. Packer says the the Lord’s Prayer offers model answers to a series of questions God puts to us to shape our conversation with him.
What do you take me for, and what am I to you?
Our Father in heaven.
That being so, what is it that you really want most?
[1] The hallowing of your name;
[2] the coming of your kingdom;
[3] to see your will known and done.
So what are you asking for right now, as a means to that end?
[1] Provision,
[2] pardon,
[3] protection.
How can you be so bold and confident in asking for these things?
Because we know you can do it, and when you do it, it will bring you glory!
Pray then like this:
Our Father in heaven,
hallowed be your name.
Your kingdom come,
your will be done,
on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread,
and forgive us our debts,
as we also have forgiven our debtors.
And lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil.
—Matthew 6:9–13
