by A. W. Pink
In ePub, .mobi & .pdf formats
This little work by Arthur Walkington Pink (1886-1952) examines the individual petitions of the Lord's Prayer to derive important lessons for the Christian life and our approach to prayer.
From Pink's introduction...
From earliest times it has been called "the Lord’s Prayer," not because it is one that He Himself addressed to the Father, but because it was graciously furnished by Him to teach us both the manner and method of how to pray and the matters for which to pray. It should therefore be highly esteemed by Christians. Christ knew both our needs and the Father’s good will toward us, and thus He has mercifully supplied us with a simple yet comprehensive directory. Every part or aspect of prayer is included therein. Adoration is found in its opening clauses and thanksgiving in the conclusion. Confession is necessarily implied, for that which is asked for supposes our weakness or sinfulness. Petitions furnish the main substance, as in all praying. Intercession and supplication on behalf of the glory of God and for the triumph of His Kingdom and revealed will are involved in the first three petitions, whereas the last four are concerned with supplication and intercession concerning our own personal needs and those of others, as is indicated by pronouns in the plural number.
This prayer is found twice in the New Testament, being given by Christ on two different occasions. This, no doubt, is a hint for preachers to reiterate that which is of fundamental importance. The variations are significant. The language of Matthew 6:9 intimates that this prayer is given to us for a model, yet the words of Luke 11:2 indicate that it is to be used by us as a form. Like everything in Scripture, this prayer is perfect—perfect in its order, construction, and wording. Its order is adoration, supplication, and argumentation. Its petitions are seven in number. It is virtually an epitome of the Psalms and a most excellent summary of all prayer. Every clause in it occurs in the Old Testament, denoting that our prayers must be Scriptural if they are to be acceptable. "And this is the confidence that we have in Him, that, if we ask any thing according to His will, He heareth us" (1 John 5:14). But we cannot know His will if we are ignorant of His Word.
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Table of Contents
Introduction
Chapter 1 – The Address - “Our Father which art in heaven”
Chapter 2 – The First Petition - “Hallowed be Thy name”
Chapter 3 – The Second Petition - “Thy Kingdom come”
Chapter 4 – The Third Petition - “Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven”
Chapter 5 – The Fourth Petition - “Give us this day our daily bread”
Chapter 6 – The Fifth Petition - “And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors”
Chapter 7 – The Sixth Petition - “And lead us not into temptation”
Chapter 8 – The Seventh Petition - “But deliver us from evil”
Chapter 9 – The Doxology - “For Thine is the Kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen”