Summary: the Lord’s Prayer Hexagon is a simple framework to help guide your prayers. This model prompts you to pray about the Father’s character, kingdom, provision, forgiveness, guidance, and protection.
What is the Prayer Hexagon?
The Prayer Hexagon is a visual and practical framework that breaks down the Lord’s Prayer into six interconnected elements. Each point of the hexagon represents a crucial aspect of prayer, guiding us to a more comprehensive and meaningful conversation with God.
Whether you’re new to the faith or have been walking with Christ for years, the Lord’s Prayer Hexagon might be just the tool you need. This innovative prayer model, based on Jesus’ teaching in Matthew 6:9-13, offers a fresh perspective on how to approach communication with our Heavenly Father.
The Prayer Hexagon is a tool based on the six aspects of prayer that Jesus addresses in Matthew 6:9-13 when He taught the disciples how to pray. The six aspects are the Father’s character, the Father’s Kingdom, the Father’s provision, the Father’s forgiveness, the Father’s guidance, and the Father’s protection.
The Prayer Hexagon is a visual and practical framework that breaks down the Lord’s Prayer into six interconnected elements. Each point of the hexagon represents a crucial aspect of prayer, guiding us to a more comprehensive and meaningful conversation with God.
Let’s dive into each component of the hexagon prayer model:
1. The Father’s Character (Matthew 6:9)
“Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name.”
This first point reminds us of the dual nature of our relationship with God. He is both our intimate Father and the holy, awe-inspiring King of the universe. As you pray, reflect on God’s attributes revealed in Scripture. He is holy, loving, just, compassionate, merciful, and powerful.
Practical Application: Spend a few minutes praising God for His character. You might say, “Father, I praise you for your unfailing love. I stand in awe of your holiness and power.”
2. The Father’s Kingdom (Matthew 6:10a)
“Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.”
Here, we align our hearts with God’s grand plan for the world. Pray for God’s reign to be evident in your life, your family, your city, your country, and the world.
Practical Application: Ask God to advance His kingdom in specific areas. For example, “Lord, may your kingdom come in my workplace. Help me to be a light for you there.”
3. The Father’s Provision (Matthew 6:11)
“Give us this day our daily bread.”
This point reminds us of our dependence on God for everything. It’s not just about physical needs, but also spiritual and emotional ones.
Practical Application: Consider both tangible and intangible needs in your life. You might pray, “Father, I trust you for my financial needs. Please provide the resources for my rent this month. Also, Lord, I need your strength to face the challenges at work. Fill me with your peace and wisdom as I navigate difficult conversations with my colleagues.”
4. The Father’s Forgiveness (Matthew 6:12)
“And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors.”
Confession and forgiveness are vital parts of our relationship with God and others.
Take time to acknowledge your sins, receive God’s forgiveness, and extend that same grace to others.
Practical Application: Confess any known sins and ask for forgiveness. Then, pray for the strength to forgive others who have wronged you.
5. The Father’s Guidance (Matthew 6:13a)
“And lead us not into temptation.”
We need God’s guidance to navigate the complexities of life. Pray for wisdom to make godly decisions and strength to resist temptation.
Practical Application: Ask God for guidance in specific areas of your life. You might say, “Lord, show me how to be a better spouse/parent/friend. Guide my steps in this situation.”
6. The Father’s Protection (Matthew 6:13b)
“But deliver us from evil.”
Recognize the reality of spiritual warfare and our need for God’s protection. Pray for God to shield you from the enemy’s attacks and to equip you with the full armor of God (Ephesians 6:10-18).
Practical Application: Ask for God’s protection in areas where you feel vulnerable. Pray, “Father, protect my mind from negative thoughts. Shield my family from harm.”
Why Use the Prayer Hexagon?
The hexagon prayer model offers several benefits:
- Structure with Flexibility: While it provides a framework, it’s not rigid. You can spend more time on areas where you feel led.
- Comprehensive Coverage: It ensures you’re touching on all aspects of a well-rounded prayer life.
- Visual Aid: The hexagon shape serves as a memorable visual, making it easier to recall each element during prayer.
- Depth and Balance: It encourages both praise and petition, both personal needs and kingdom-focused requests.
Practical Tips for Using the Prayer Hexagon
- Start Small: Don’t feel pressured to pray for hours. Even a few minutes on each point can be meaningful.
- Use Scripture: Incorporate relevant Bible verses into each section of your prayer.
- Journal It: Write down your thoughts for each point of the hexagon. This can help you stay focused and track your prayer journey.
- Pray with Others: Use the hexagon model in group prayer settings to ensure a well-rounded prayer time.
- Rotate Focus: Each day, you could choose to spend extra time on a different point of the hexagon.
- Personalize It: Feel free to add specific prayer points under each category that are relevant to your life.
- Use A Guided Prayer: Consider using a guided prayer resource that walks you through each point of the hexagon.
The Prayer Hexagon vs. Other Prayer Models
While we’ve explored the Prayer Hexagon in detail, it’s worth noting that there are other helpful prayer frameworks out there. For instance, the PRAY model (Praise, Repent, Ask, Yield) offers another structured approach to prayer. Each model has its strengths, and you might find it beneficial to explore different frameworks to keep your prayer life fresh and engaging.
Conclusion
The Lord’s Prayer Hexagon is more than just a prayer technique—it’s a pathway to a deeper, more intentional relationship with God. By covering these six aspects of prayer, we ensure that our communication with God is balanced, comprehensive, and aligned with His will.
Remember, prayer is ultimately about connecting with our Heavenly Father. As Jesus demonstrated, it doesn’t need to be wordy, extensive, or technique-filled. The hexagon prayer model is a tool to facilitate that connection, not a rigid formula.
As you incorporate this model into your prayer life, we hope you experience the joy of drawing closer to God and seeing His work in and through you.
