Have you ever noticed that the “Lord’s Prayer” – the model prayer outline given by Jesus to his disciples (Matthew 6:9-13 and Luke 11:2-4) – does not contain any word of thanks? This might seem strange, but context probably explains it. The disciples knew that it was certainly Jesus’ custom to give thanks. We see examples of this not only in his giving thanks for food (Luke 22:19), but also in the thanks included in his other prayers (for example, Luke 10:1).
When we look at the outline prayer Jesus gave, we see (especially in Luke’s narrative)that the context was one of things for which we should ask (Luke 11:9-13). We can presume that knowing Jesus’ own example, the disciples would understand that rather than a separate point of thanks in prayer, every request would be made with thanks – both for help already given in that area and in faithful expectation of God’s continued help.
As the apostle Paul wrote, we should: “… not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God” (Philippians 4:6, emphasis added). Our attitude of prayer should clearly be one of: “Giving thanks always for all things to God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ” (Ephesians 5:20). Such an attitude of thankfulness follows the example of Jesus himself and explains why the “Lord’s Prayer” has no separate point of thanksgiving.
Want to learn more about how and what we should pray? If you haven’t already read them, take a look at our articles on the following subjects:
Before You Ask
Another Look at the Lord’s Prayer
When Prayer Is Unanswered
Do We Pray “Without Ceasing”?
When we look at the outline prayer Jesus gave, we see (especially in Luke’s narrative)that the context was one of things for which we should ask (Luke 11:9-13). We can presume that knowing Jesus’ own example, the disciples would understand that rather than a separate point of thanks in prayer, every request would be made with thanks – both for help already given in that area and in faithful expectation of God’s continued help.
As the apostle Paul wrote, we should: “… not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God” (Philippians 4:6, emphasis added). Our attitude of prayer should clearly be one of: “Giving thanks always for all things to God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ” (Ephesians 5:20). Such an attitude of thankfulness follows the example of Jesus himself and explains why the “Lord’s Prayer” has no separate point of thanksgiving.
Want to learn more about how and what we should pray? If you haven’t already read them, take a look at our articles on the following subjects:
Before You Ask
Another Look at the Lord’s Prayer
When Prayer Is Unanswered
Do We Pray “Without Ceasing”?
