A Biblical Pattern of Prayer
Following the Lord’s Prayer
The Pattern of Prayer: A Divine Invitation
Prayer is a lifelong pursuit of shedding the distractions of the world, drawing near to God, and breaching time and space to surrender oneself before the presence of God through the authority of our Lord Jesus, through the supernatural agency of the Holy Spirit. Some of the most effective prayers I have ever prayed are as simple as, 'HELP!'
As a pastor, I prepared for the pastoral prayer with the same care as one prepares for a sermon. I want to share that method with you now, for it is rooted in the teaching of Jesus Himself. When the disciples asked, 'Lord, teach us to pray,' our Redeemer responded with The Lord's Prayer—a central movement in public worship and an essential component in the spiritual training of children (along with the Apostles' Creed and the Ten Commandments). Yet, it is more than a ritual; it is a divine pattern for approaching God with our petitions (Matthew 6:9-13).
Prayer and helplessness are inseparable. Only he who is helpless can truly pray. Your helplessness is your best. prayer. — Ole Hallesby, Prayer
The Collect: An Ancient Pattern for Prayer
Anglicans, Lutherans, and others will recognize the structure known as the collect (pronounced KAHL-lekt). This ancient form of prayer, modeled on the Lord's Prayer, centers and gathers the congregation, focusing hearts and minds on a need we present to the Lord, relying on His power as we come to Him.
Let us look at the elements of this God-given model, useful not only in public worship but also in private, family, or small group prayer.
1. ADDRESS, To Whom Do We Pray? “Our Father who art in heaven”
We pray to our Heavenly Father. Jesus modeled this approach, recognizing the Father's unique role in ordaining and bringing about all things. Though the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit are equal in power and person, there is a role relationship within the Trinity according to Scripture. We address God as our Father, Almighty God, Healer, Protector, and by many other names revealed in Scripture (Matthew 6:9, Isaiah 9:6, Exodus 15:26).
2. ATTRIBUTIVE PHRASE. God's Attribute or Precedent in Scripture that you need. “Hallowed be Thy name”
Identify an attribute of God or a precedent in Scripture that aligns with your need. For example:
- 'Our Heavenly Father, who brought the children of Israel out of Egypt and through the Red Sea...'—a reminder of God’s deliverance and faithfulness, fitting for a prayer seeking guidance or protection (Exodus 14:21-22).
- 'You promised never to leave us nor forsake us...'—a comforting declaration when seeking God's presence (Deuteronomy 31:6, Hebrews 13:5).
3. PETITION, Our Petition to God “Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven; Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our debts as we forgive our debtors, and lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil”
Having acknowledged God’s character, present your need:
- '...be with us as we begin our road trip, granting us safety and guiding us to our destination' (Psalm 121:7-8, Proverbs 3:5-6).
4. RESULT. The Purpose and Result “on earth as it is in heaven; Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our debts as we forgive our debtors”
Include the purpose or result you seek:
- '...that we may find rest as a family and return refreshed to fulfill Your calling, proclaim Your word, and serve others in need' (Colossians 3:23, 2 Corinthians 9:8).
5. AUTHORITY. The Authority “For Thine is the kingdom and power and glory forever.”
We pray in the authority of Jesus Christ. As Jesus taught, we approach the throne of God through His name, which grants us bold access to the Father:
- 'In Jesus' name, we pray...' (John 14:13-14, Ephesians 3:12).
6. TERMINATION. The Conclusion: “Amen”
The prayer concludes with 'Amen,' inviting all present to affirm together, meaning 'let it be so' or 'may Your will be done' (2 Corinthians 1:20, Revelation 22:20).
A Pattern for All of Life
I have used this pattern to train pastoral students in the art of prayer, both publicly and privately. It is a model that helps gather thoughts, recalls Scripture, and honors God’s majesty and mercy. The Bible is filled with various forms of prayer, from the simple cry of the heart to the structured praises of the Psalms. Yet, following the pattern given by Jesus enables us to approach God with reverence, clarity, and confidence (Philippians 4:6, 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18).
A Final Thought on Prayer
Prayer is not about eloquence or formality. It is about the humble creature approaching the Almighty Creator with trust and dependency. The most powerful prayer may be the simplest cry, but there is profound wisdom in approaching God as Jesus taught. This method does not box God in but rather aligns our hearts with His will, giving voice to our needs while resting in His sovereignty.
The Bible assures us that He hears us and answers according to His will, for His glory and our good (1 John 5:14, Romans 8:26-27).
A Prayer to Close the Day
Let us conclude with a prayer from the Book of Common Prayer, a timeless example of the collect form:
“Keep watch, dear Lord, with those who work, or watch, or weep this night, and give Your angels charge over those who sleep. Tend the sick, Lord Christ; give rest to the weary, bless the dying, soothe the suffering, pity the afflicted, shield the joyous; and all for Your love's sake. Amen.”
For Further Reflection
For further reflection on the power and purpose of prayer, you may find these articles helpful:
Collects for the Christian’s Year
How to Make Who You Are Who You Do Through Prayer.
My Favorite Book on Prayer:
Prayer by O. Hallesby
Description:
“The Prayer is one of the best known introductions to the prayer life published in the 20th century. Hallesby (1879-1961) a great Norwegian Evangelical, points out how difficult prayer is, how we must wrestle with God, and be on guard against pride. This book will help deepen and enrich your prayer life. The expanded edition comes with a group study guide so your small group can.” —From the book description.
Your helplessness is your best prayer. It calls from your heart to the heart of God with greater effect than all your uttered pleas. He hears it from the very moment that you are seized with helplessness, and He becomes actively engaged at once in hearing and answering the prayer of your helplessness.—Ole Hallesby, Prayer
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