The Lord's Prayer serves as a template for how we should approach God, not as a ritual to repeat mindlessly. Jesus teaches us to pray privately and humbly, recognizing that God already knows our needs. The prayer begins with a focus on God's character and will before addressing personal needs like daily provision, forgiveness, and protection from temptation. Forgiveness plays a crucial role in our prayer life, as our willingness to forgive others affects our relationship with God. By following this model, we can develop prayers that are God-centered rather than self-centered, trusting in His perfect will for our lives.