The ourFather prayer – The Christian Tech-Nerd

I’ve been reflecting a lot lately on how we approach prayer, and honestly, it’s been a bit of a struggle. I know, I know, that’s not the kind of thing you’d expect me to admit, but here we are. I guess I’m wondering—does anyone else feel like they pray the hardest when things are falling apart? Maybe it’s not even something major, but those times when you’re tossing and turning in bed, too tired to sleep, too restless to relax. Or the times when everything seems fine on the surface, but deep down, you’re carrying a weight you can’t quite shake. Is that when your most fervent prayer comes too? When you don’t know what to say but know you need God more than anything?

I’m guilty of not always knowing how to pray. Even after all this time, I still feel like I’m fumbling for the right words sometimes. I’ve got good intentions—good heart—but my mind just goes blank. I can sit there and talk to God like He’s right there beside me, and still, I get caught up in the silence, wondering if I’ve said the right things, or if I’ve said enough.

Maybe that’s something you’ve struggled with too. Maybe you’ve set aside time to pray, but then, when the time comes, you find yourself with nothing to say. Your mind wanders, and the words seem to escape you. I know I’m not the only one who has experienced this. Heck, even Jesus’ disciples struggled with this! They came to Him asking, “Lord, teach us how to pray.” (Luke 11:1). If they needed help, who am I to think I’ve got it all figured out?

That’s when I turn to what Jesus taught in Matthew 6. I think it’s such a beautiful, straightforward reminder of what prayer really is. Jesus didn’t just leave us to figure it out on our own. He gave us a model, a guide. And it’s one of the simplest yet most powerful prayers ever spoken.

Matthew 6:9-13 tells us:

“Our Father in heaven,
hallowed be your name,
your kingdom come,
your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us today our daily bread.
And forgive us our trespasses,
as we also forgive those who trespass against us.
And lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from the evil one.”

I don’t know about you, but I find so much comfort in those words. They’re the words of Jesus—God’s own Son—given to us as a blueprint for how to connect with the Father. And what gets me is that even though we’ve heard it a thousand times in church or at family dinners, the more I sit with it, the more I realize how perfect this prayer truly is.

I’ve come to see that this prayer, the Our Father, is a model for my prayer. It’s not just something we recite in groups or before meals. It’s personal. It’s a conversation with God. Every single line is full of meaning, and it shows us how to align our hearts with His will.

Let’s break it down:

Our Father in heaven – He is our Father. Not just a Father, but our personal Father. There’s intimacy here. He is close. He cares. He hears us. And He’s in heaven, ruling and reigning, but still fully present with us.
Hallowed be your name – His name is holy. This is a moment of reverence, where we acknowledge the power, majesty, and sanctity of who God is. It’s a recognition that He is far beyond us, and yet, He chooses to be with us.
Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven – This is where I have to check my heart. How often do I pray for His will to be done over my own? If I’m being honest, sometimes I’d rather have my own plans fulfilled. But Jesus reminds me that His Kingdom, His way of doing things, is what truly matters. It’s about surrendering control. It’s about saying, “God, I want what You want.” It’s a prayer for the world to be made right, and for me to live in line with that.
Give us today our daily bread – Simple, isn’t it? It’s not asking for an abundance, just for what we need today. This is a reminder to trust God every single day, to rely on Him for provision. It’s humbling. It’s saying, “God, I need You today, and tomorrow, and the next day.”
And forgive us our trespasses, as we also forgive those who trespass against us – This one stings, doesn’t it? It’s so much easier to ask God to forgive us than it is to forgive others. But that’s the thing. The forgiveness we receive is the same forgiveness we are called to extend. It’s a sobering reminder that grace isn’t just for me, it’s for everyone.
And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one – This is where I have to pray with real honesty. I know I can’t make it through life on my own. I need God’s help to avoid sin, to stay on the path of righteousness. It’s a plea for His protection. A plea for strength when we face the trials and temptations of this world.

There it is. The perfect prayer. Simple yet profound. Jesus knew exactly what we needed to pray. Not a bunch of empty words or mindless repetition, but a prayer that brings us back to the heart of God. A prayer that grounds us in His presence. It covers everything: worship, submission, provision, forgiveness, and deliverance.

If you’re like me and often feel like you’re stammering in your prayers, let the Our Father guide you. It’s not just something you recite by memory. It’s a framework for how we live in relationship with God. Sometimes, when I have nothing left to say, I just repeat these words, and in that, I find peace.

God knows exactly what we need, even before we ask (Matthew 6:8). And yet, He still invites us to pray. That’s grace. So when you don’t know what to say, pray the Our Father. Let it be your breath when your spirit is dry.

God, You are good. Your will is perfect. Help me to trust You more, to forgive more, and to follow You with all my heart. In Jesus’ name, amen.