Focus: Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. (Matthew 6:9)

Our series begins with a conversation about the opening phrase of the Lord’s prayer and how it sets the stage for the words that follow.

Focus: Thy Kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. (Matthew 6:10)

If we ever want this part of the Lord’s Prayer to be answered, we need to give it our utmost attention. The good news is that if we do, the answer to our prayer may be closer than you ever imagined.

Focus: Give us this day our daily bread. (Matthew 6:11)

With these words, the focus on the Lord’s Prayer begins to shift from “Thy” to “us.” It is a subtle shift in terms of language, but a big shift in terms of the focus on this prayer.

Focus: Forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who have trespassed against us. (Matthew 6:12)

These may be the most difficult words in the Lord’s Prayer. To imagine that our forgiveness may depend upon our willingness to forgive others is a troubling thought. Is this really what Jesus meant?

Focus: Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. (Matthew 6:13)

In some ways, this is an odd prayer. At first glance, it reads as if we are asking God not to lead us into temptation. Does that mean God is prone to doing that? If so, then what?  If not, then what does it mean?

Focus: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory forever. Amen.

The final words of the Lord’s Prayer that we say each week aren’t found in scripture. Since that is the case, where did they come from and why do we say them?