Broader Concept of the Lord’s Prayer

Kathy Gabler — While the most common understanding of prayer is an appeal or petition, I think The Lord’s Prayer illustrates a broader concept of prayer.  I see it as a prayer of alignment with God’s Word and will and character, or a declaration of agreement with God’s order and principles and intent.  If I viewed The Lord’s Prayer only as a petition, it would seem to be a formal format of how to properly ask for basic necessities.   While there is nothing wrong with that, I think there is more life in it and more relationship demonstrated in His model prayer.  This prayer takes on more dimension when it comes from a motive and priority to pray as sons who know and reflect their Father.