Morning, October 29
Charles Spurgeon · Morning and Evening: Daily Readings
Matthew 6:9
"After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven,
etc."
Matthew 6:9
This prayer begins where all true prayer must commence, with the spirit
of adoption, "Our Father." There is no acceptable prayer until we can
say, "I will arise, and go unto my Father." This child-like spirit soon
perceives the grandeur of the Father "in heaven," and ascends to devout
adoration, "Hallowed be thy name." The child lisping, "Abba, Father,"
grows into the cherub crying, "Holy, Holy, Holy." There is but a step
from rapturous worship to the glowing missionary spirit, which is a
sure outgrowth of filial love and reverent adoration--"Thy kingdom
come, Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven." Next follows the
heartfelt expression of dependence upon God--"Give us this day our
daily bread." Being further illuminated by the Spirit, he discovers
that he is not only dependent, but sinful, hence he entreats for mercy,
"Forgive us our debts as we forgive our debtors:" and being pardoned,
having the righteousness of Christ imputed, and knowing his acceptance
with God, he humbly supplicates for holy perseverance, "Lead us not
into temptation." The man who is really forgiven, is anxious not to
offend again; the possession of justification leads to an anxious
desire for sanctification. "Forgive us our debts," that is
justification; "Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil,"
that is sanctification in its negative and positive forms. As the
result of all this, there follows a triumphant ascription of praise,
"Thine is the kingdom, the power, and the glory, forever and ever,
Amen." We rejoice that our King reigns in providence and shall reign in
grace, from the river even to the ends of the earth, and of his
dominion there shall be no end. Thus from a sense of adoption, up to
fellowship with our reigning Lord, this short model of prayer conducts
the soul. Lord, teach us thus to pray.