Matthew 6:9–13
Sermon on the Lord's Prayer: Our Father Which Art in Heaven
"After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name."
— Matthew 6:9 (KJV)
Big Idea
The Lord's Prayer is the pattern, not just a recitation — six petitions that re-order our priorities Godward before they bend toward our needs.
Context
Part of the Sermon on the Mount. Jesus has just warned against hypocritical and repetitive prayer; now He gives a pattern for genuine prayer.
Expository Outline (verse-by-verse)
1. The Address: Our Father Which Art in Heaven (v. 9a)
- •'Our' — corporate, not just private.
- •'Father' — intimate, covenant.
- •'In heaven' — sovereign, transcendent.
2. Three God-ward Petitions (v. 9b–10)
- •Hallowed be thy name.
- •Thy kingdom come.
- •Thy will be done on earth as in heaven.
3. Three Man-ward Petitions (v. 11–13)
- •Give us this day our daily bread.
- •Forgive us our debts as we forgive our debtors.
- •Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.
Topical Outline (one big idea)
1. What the Prayer Teaches About Prayer
- •Start God-ward, not need-ward.
- •Pray as a family ('our').
- •Keep it concise and concrete.
2. How to Pray the Prayer Without Repetition
- •Use the six petitions as headings.
- •Fill in your day's specifics under each.
- •End by re-anchoring in His kingdom.
Cross-references
- Luke 11:1-4 — Luke's parallel; disciples ask, 'Teach us to pray.'
- Romans 8:15 — We cry, Abba, Father.
- John 14:13 — Whatsoever ye shall ask in my name.
Illustrations
- "A pilot follows a checklist not because he can't fly without it, but to keep him airworthy. The Lord's Prayer is the believer's preflight."
Application questions
- When did you last pray the Lord's Prayer slowly, one phrase at a time?
Closing prayer
Our Father, hallowed be Thy name. Teach us to pray. Amen.