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Morning and Evening

October 29, Morning

C. H. Spurgeon · Modern retelling

"After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, etc." — Matthew 6:9 · KJV

This prayer begins where all true prayer must begin — 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 childlike spirit soon perceives the grandeur of the Father "in heaven," and rises 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 the sure outgrowth of filial love and reverent adoration: "Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven." Next follows the heartfelt expression of dependence on God: "Give us this day our daily bread." Further illuminated by the Spirit, he discovers that he is not only dependent but sinful, and so he pleads 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 asks 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, and the power, and the glory, for ever 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.