In the notes from Charles Spurgeon's sermon on the Lord's prayer, he considers that this text is a model for prayer, rather than something to be recited word for word. For example, when considering our sins, time needs to be taken to cite our wrongdoings and name them. Spurgeon goes on to observe that the prayer is "Our Father" - there is a double relationship in the text, firstly with God as Father, and secondly with our brothers and sisters (the prayer is not "My Father"). He asks us to think about the wider meaning of this - that the poor, the outcast etc are all our brothers.
The basis for the second sermon by Charles Spurgeon is Matthew 6:10 - "Your will be done on earth as in heaven". Here he considers the will of God, that it was originally perfectly done (in Eden), and in the future will be. In the meantime, as we pray this prayer, we are to commit ourselves to doing the will of God on earth.
Two other commentators are featured in this section. There is a commentary by Matthew Henry, and also an interpretation of the Lord's prayer by Alexander MacLaren. If you need some ideas for studying this prayer in your bible group, then there is also an excellent contribution by Phil Harper. Here you'll find some thoughts on what motivates us when we pray, and how we might seek to do the will of God as a community together.
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