The “Our Father” Prayer Tool
Written by Brayden Brookshier
“To clasp the hands in prayer is the beginning of an uprising against the disorder of the world.” – Karl Barth
Want to level up?
If you want to level up in football, you can spend hours poring over the playbook and dissecting game film, and those are valuable tools! But you’ll never become a game-changer by staying on the sidelines. Excellence is forged on the practice field where theory becomes action and ideas become impact. The same is true in your spiritual life. You can be the smartest person in the room, know all the right answers, quote every passage—but if your prayer life stays stuck in theory or mere ideas, you’ll never experience the real power and transformation it offers. Don’t settle for being just knowledgeable. Step onto the field. Put your faith and prayer into practice. That’s where true accomplishment is found, and that’s where you’re going to see God move in remarkable ways.
Before we look at utilizing the “Our Father” prayer as an essential prayer tool, a quick word of caution. Our familiarity with the “Our Father” prayer can work against us. It is a shame when we recite the lines with a monotone voice and, even worse, a dulled heart. These words are more like lyrics of a song, where there is space to linger and savor each line! When Jesus taught his followers this prayer, did he take his time? Was each line hurried to the next like a pocket-size invocation? Or was each line designed to expand into more? Knowing the picture we receive of Christ, it would not be surprising if he taught his followers to pray this prayer in an unhurried manner, modeling for them to savor every part of it!
We, however, often invert this prayer–starting with all the adversity against us and worries for provision that plague us–then, if time permits, we might declare some of worthiness, but most likely not. Inverting the “Our Father” strips this blueprint for prayer of its power! There is a reason why we work our way through this prayer this way!
Many people cherish using the prayer verbatim. That is great! Here is a tool to use the principles of the prayer as you fill it out and personalize the heart of it even more in an extended manner.
1. Begin with Intimacy (Matthew 6:9).
Start by recognizing the privilege of access you have as a son or daughter to God the Father in Christ. You’re not striving for God’s attention—you have it. He is your Father, and His presence is your home. The call to “hallow” His name pulls us beyond the ordinary, awakening awe and adoration in our hearts. As you pray, linger here: let the truth settle deep—God is close, compassionate, and worthy of reverent wonder. Let worship rise from your heart. In the same line where God is called “our Father” we are exhorted to pray “hallowed be your name.” Continue to meditate on God’s holy majesty. Let your heart chase the wonder toward Him! Declare His holiness, His goodness, His nearness. This is the place where awe and affection meet.
Try this: Don’t hurry into praying “about” things.
Pause and adore Him. This first line draws us into the beautiful reality that prayer is first and foremost relational—God invites us to call Him Father. Dwell here and watch how much this imparts love and strength, even before a single thing is asked for or received!
2. Invoke His Kingdom (Matthew 6:10).
Invite heaven’s reality into your life, your family, your city. This is not just a wish—it’s a declaration. Release His rule and reign over every circumstance. Pray with authority, knowing you are partnering with God to see His purposes fulfilled here and now. You walk in the name of your Father and represent His kingdom here on earth!
Try this: Picture those areas where you desire breakthrough—relationships, finances, healing–anything and everything–through the lens of heaven’s reign.
As you pray Matthew 6:10, hold them up before God not with resignation, but with a sense of holy anticipation. You’re not just asking; you’re joining Him in His work. Expect answers. Invoke a release of the kingdom’s rule. Look for transformation. Believe that His will truly can be done—here, today. “On earth as in heaven” should change our lives and world.
3. Ask for Provision (Matthew 6:11).
Bring your needs before Him, trusting in His provision. God is not distant or reluctant—He delights in meeting your needs. Ask specifically. Expect His goodness. Celebrate His faithfulness in the small and the great.
Try this: Thank Him for the ways He HAS provided even as you ask for further provision.
For example, every time you do the dishes, you are handling the evidence of God’s provision over your life. His provision is abundantly present already. Do not be afraid to ask Him for your needs or desires, but don’t miss the ways He is already caring for you. The evidence is all around you. Name it. Thank you. Then ask.
4. Receive Daily Restoration (Matthew 6:12).
Receive the fullness of His forgiveness. Let His grace wash over you, then extend that same mercy to others. Unforgiveness is a prison—let His love set you free. Release every offense, every hurt. Choose to forgive as you have been forgiven. Forgiveness is not just for your benefit; it’s how you keep your heart uncluttered and open to God’s flow. Receiving God’s forgiveness purifies and heals your heart. Releasing forgiveness toward others protects and guards your heart.
Try this: Confess some specific ways you know you need God’s forgiveness. And then picture those things being nailed to the cross, where your forgiveness has already been secured and settled!
5. Seal Your Day in His Protection (Matthew 6:13).
This part is commonly known as “spiritual warfare.” Pray for discernment and strength. Ask the Holy Spirit to guide your steps and keep you from the schemes of the Eenemy. Declare your freedom in Christ. Stand in the victory Jesus has already won. (We will cover more of this subject matter in a future module.)
Try this: Pair this with Ephesians 6:10–18.
Every day has battles, but we never have to go without armor. The armor of God is not a costume, it is gear for daily life! You are not a victim—you are more than a conqueror. We don’t fight for victory, we fight from victory. Pray with confidence in the finished work of the cross. We put on the armor because there is a fight, but with God’s nearness and protection, it doesn’t have to be a losing battle.
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We hope this helps you interact with this beautiful and boundless prayer! Don’t feel constricted to the way it is modeled above. It is simply a launchpad into praying as a son or daughter and seeing effective change in the world! So, experiment, explore, but don’t forsake the wisdom and power that comes from using the inspiration of this prayer that Jesus Himself gave us!
Try This: That’s why we close this Prayer Tool module by asking you to do one more thing.
In your own words, write out how you can pray this prayer. Are you going to lean into the verbatim wording of the prayer? Or paraphrase your own wording? Or blend the two?
Discuss
- How do you plan on implementing the “Our Father” prayer into your life?
- What part of the prayer comes most naturally to you? Which part is most challenging?