Why does the Lord's Prayer pattern still apply under grace?
The prayer serves as a pattern rather than a required formula. Though given under the Law to disciples, its format carries over into grace because believers still approach God's throne room giving Him His due, recognizing Him as the Almighty and as their Heavenly Father. Therefore its structure remains instructive for prayer in this age.
Les explains that the prayer in Matthew 6 is commonly called the Lord's Prayer, but he objects to that title because it is really the disciples' prayer. The Lord gives it as an example for the disciples to use, not as exact words required to open every prayer. The true Lord's Prayer, Les says, is John 17. Even though this instruction was given while still under the Law, to the Jew under temple worship, the format carries over into the age of grace. As believers approach the throne room, they still give God His due and recognize Him as the Almighty and their Heavenly Father, so this pattern remains worth noting.
After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.
More Questions
Does the disciples' prayer apply to present-day believers under grace?
Even though the disciples' prayer was originally spoken to Jews under the Law, its format carries over to believers under grace.
Is the Lord's Prayer just a pattern, not a mandatory formula?
The disciples' prayer in Matthew 6 is a pattern, not a required set of words, so you need not open every prayer with its exact wording.