“This, then, is how you should pray: “‘Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.’ Matthew 6:9-13
“We neither say “My Father, who art in heaven,” nor “Give me this day my daily bread.” Nor does each one ask that only his own debt should be forgiven him; nor does he request for himself alone that he may not be led into temptation and may be delivered from evil. Our prayer is public and common; and when we pray, we pray nor for one, but for the whole people, because we the whole people are one.”
Cyprian of Carthage in A Dictionary of Quotes from the Saints, ed. Paul Thigpen (Charlotte: TAN Books, 2001) 191.
The Lord’s prayer is both a public and common prayer. Consider the implications of this for our walk with God, our relationship to other people, and generosity.
The fact that it is public means that we should not merely pray for ourselves. God is not like Santa Claus to whom we send a wish list. Our focus should also be the needs of those around us.
The common nature of this prayer relates to the recepients of His daily provision. As He supplies, His blessings are not merely for our enjoyment but also for our sharing.
While Cyprian gets it right, do we? When Jesus says, “This, then, is how you should pray,” we need to take seriously the community nature of the prayer.
If and when we do, God will make us a people who pray for the forgiveness and needs of our community. And as He supplies, it will increase our generosity for God’s glory.