God Centered Prayer
A Zac Poonen Sermon Summary
This is the sequel of another sermon entitled, “The Right Way to Pray.”
The Lord’s prayer has six requests, the first three focusing on God and the last three on us (Matthew 6:9-13). These should be earnest requests from our heart.
The first and foremost request is that God’s name be honored and glorified. The primary focus is not on His kingdom or will, clearly not on our health, wealth, or happiness.
The second request is for God’s kingdom coming to earth. Evil is strong on earth. The ultimate solution is Christ coming back, establishing His kingdom, and bringing peace to earth.
The third request is that His will be done on earth as in heaven. In heaven, angels wait on God. Whatever God wants, they will do immediately, joyfully, and completely. This request is that we, our families, and all countries do the same.
The fourth request asks for bread, our basic daily needs. It asks for bread, not steak; basic, not luxurious. Also, when I need food (or a job, or essential things), others need them too. In this request, we ask God to give such to others, not just ourselves.
The fifth request asks for forgiveness of sins. Note that this request is after we ask for bread because we need food to live. Again, this is for others, not just for ourselves. Likewise, Christ emphasized the importance of forgiving others for the Father to forgive us, by immediately re-stating this point after the Lord’s prayer (Matthew 6:14-15).
The last request asks God to protect us from being tempted and from evil. God would help us endure all temptations (1 Corinthians 10:13), but we should not purposefully put ourselves in the way of temptation.
Then some versions of the Lord’s prayer acknowledge God owning all kingdom, power, and glory; and end with Amen. We do not take power and glory for ourselves because all power and glory belong to God. Amen means we believe God will listen to our prayer.
In summary, the Lord’s prayer centers on God—His name, kingdom, and will. It also
prays for all (not just ourselves) regarding our basic needs, forgiveness of sins, and protection from being tempted and from evil.
Summary of a sermon by Zac Poonen:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YIosPBrnNX0
The Lord’s prayer has six requests, the first three focusing on God and the last three on us (Matthew 6:9-13). These should be earnest requests from our heart.
The first and foremost request is that God’s name be honored and glorified. The primary focus is not on His kingdom or will, clearly not on our health, wealth, or happiness.
The second request is for God’s kingdom coming to earth. Evil is strong on earth. The ultimate solution is Christ coming back, establishing His kingdom, and bringing peace to earth.
The third request is that His will be done on earth as in heaven. In heaven, angels wait on God. Whatever God wants, they will do immediately, joyfully, and completely. This request is that we, our families, and all countries do the same.
The fourth request asks for bread, our basic daily needs. It asks for bread, not steak; basic, not luxurious. Also, when I need food (or a job, or essential things), others need them too. In this request, we ask God to give such to others, not just ourselves.
The fifth request asks for forgiveness of sins. Note that this request is after we ask for bread because we need food to live. Again, this is for others, not just for ourselves. Likewise, Christ emphasized the importance of forgiving others for the Father to forgive us, by immediately re-stating this point after the Lord’s prayer (Matthew 6:14-15).
The last request asks God to protect us from being tempted and from evil. God would help us endure all temptations (1 Corinthians 10:13), but we should not purposefully put ourselves in the way of temptation.
Then some versions of the Lord’s prayer acknowledge God owning all kingdom, power, and glory; and end with Amen. We do not take power and glory for ourselves because all power and glory belong to God. Amen means we believe God will listen to our prayer.
In summary, the Lord’s prayer centers on God—His name, kingdom, and will. It also
prays for all (not just ourselves) regarding our basic needs, forgiveness of sins, and protection from being tempted and from evil.
Summary of a sermon by Zac Poonen:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YIosPBrnNX0