Seven Characteristic Elements of the Lord's Prayer

Seven characteristic elements taught to us by the Lord in what is commonly known as the Lord's Prayer and which should be present in our prayers when praying individually or collectively. These characteristic elements are: Intimacy, Reverence, Confession, Forgiveness, Deliverance, Dependence, & Thankfulness.

Many recite the Lord's Prayer as though this is what the Lord instructed. Although if we read carefully we will find that He said; "in this manner, therefore pray:" Matthew 6:9-15

The sixth chapter of Matthew is entirely on prayer and how to and how not to pray yet it is also a firm rebuke of religious ostentation.

The meaning of the word Ostentation is:

1. An outward show or appearance. 2. A display of any thing dictated by vanity, or intended to invite praise or flattery. 3. A show or spectacle. 4. That which would cause sinful selfish pride to arise.

The Lord spent considerable time on the subject of prayer and we should also. Prayer done in wrong manner will cause others around to lose their liberty to pray publicly if there is a false sense of heartfelt sincerity in the prayers of others. If those with whom we pray give long winded, all inclusive prayers which come across as displaying their personal memory ability of the scriptures rather than that of the heart, it becomes a clanging banging noise to others and such that others are unable to clearly and honestly say Amen to these type of prayers. Our prayers are never meant to display our holiness because the act of prayer in itself is supposed to be an act of humility and submission to the Lord on our part. The Lord knows the scriptures He is the author of them, so quoting these scriptures to Him is of no need to Him. Outwardly the only one who can benefit from this type or praying is the one saying them. The question then begs to be asked what does one gain and is this a sign of holiness and humility or the contrary unholy and full of pride. The Lord wants to know the desires of our hearts. He wants to hear from us in an intimate way as we do in a relationship with someone. The seven elements mentioned above. When you go into a closet and pray just you and Him do you quote the scriptures to Him? or do you converse with Him on those things of which He is interested and has asked us to pray for in our daily prayers. Read the entire chapter, then consider the way you pray, and see if this meets His standard for prayer and whether we have a character which truly is one which is submissive and humble.