Using the Jesus’ teaching on prayer as a Topical Outline for prayer

Matthew 6:9-13 

1.  PRAISE  (Focus: God’s Glory)

Our Father who art in heaven (in the heavens), hallowed be Thy name . . .

• Begin by focusing your attention on God and His Character.  Praise Him for who He is.
• Reflect on His loving nature and faithfulness to you and others over the past few days.
• Offer praise and specific thanksgiving for what He’s done.
• Ask that His Name will be hallowed in the earth through you and other Christians

2.  PURPOSES  (Focus: Furtherance of His Kingdom on Earth)

Thy kingdom come. . .

• Pray for the worldwide furtherance of the Gospel and salvation in Jesus’ name.
• Pray that the church might become a House of Prayer for all Nations.
• Ask God to give you a Global Perspective for what He is doing in the nations.

3.  PRIORITIES  (Focus: His Rule in Your Life & Your World)

Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven.

• Surrender afresh your will, your plans and your life to the Lordship of Jesus.
• Ask God to fill you afresh with His Holy Spirit and yield to His control.
• Pray for God’s will for your loved ones, church, workplace, city, state, nation & world.

4.  PROVISION  (Focus: His Provision)

Give us this day our daily bread . . .

• Acknowledge your dependency upon God to meet every need in your life.
• Pray specifically for God to meet those needs both for you and for others.
• Examine your motives, being sure that what you are asking for will please God.

5.  PARDON & RELATIONSHIPS  (Focus: Forgiveness)

And forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us.

• Ask God to search your heart for any un-confessed sin.
• Confess those sins to Him and receive His forgiveness.
• Make a specific point to forgive and release anyone who may have offended you.

6.  PRECAUTIONS  (Focus: Guidance)

And lead us not into temptation (testing) . . .

• Ask God to guide you in your decisions as to where you go, what you do and how you spend your time.
• Ask God to keep you spiritually alert to ways in which your flesh and the devil may test you or try to hinder you or your loved ones from doing God’s will.

7.  PROTECTION  (Focus: Protection from Evil)

But deliver us from evil.

• Ask for God’s protection over yourself, your loved ones, the church and the nation.
• Take the authority given you as a child of God and command every evil power seeking to influence your life to be bound in the mighty name of Jesus Christ.

8.  PRAISE & THANKSGIVING

For Thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory for ever.

• Conclude your prayer time by praising and thanking God in advance for hearing your requests and the answers He is sending.