If you want to learn the best way to do something, get as close to the source as possible. What better way to learn to pray than from Jesus himself? In Matthew 6:9-13 Jesus teaches us how to pray. We know this passage as the Lord’s Prayer.
How Jesus teaches us to Pray
In this prayer we will see how Jesus leads us to pray. He does this by leading us to acknowledge God the Father, keep our heart free of unforgiveness, allow God to lead our choices, and give God praise for his authority in our life.
You can learn to pray the Lord’s prayer every day and have intimate communion with God.
Prayer can be challenging. Especially if you didn’t grow up in a home filled with prayer. Prayer can feel awkward. You may feel embarrassed to talk to God the Father. Perhaps, you are just not sure what you should say.
What is effective Prayer?
Prayer should be effective. What is effective prayer? The bible says in James 5:16 ….The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.
What does that mean? To sum it up in the simplest form is to say the active prayer of a person who is a believer on Jesus Christ is strong and effective. This means we just need to have an active prayer life and believe on Jesus. Then we will see our prayers answered.
Back in biblical times appearing to be religious was a big deal. One of the ways people did this was to pray outside, loudly, using big religious words so they could be seen and heard. Jesus teaches in this passage to pray in private and not to use religious phrases.
Let’s dive into the prayer.
Jesus gave us an example prayer in Matthew 6:9-13.
Matthew 6 (KJV)
9 After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.
The prayer begins by giving acknowledgement to God as our Father and that he is holy. This is a way of showing respect.
I assure you God our Father loves you and desires to hear from you and commune with you daily.
When you begin your prayer you don’t have to use the words in Jesus’ example exactly. Use words that come naturally to you but accomplish the same thing. God is not looking for you to use the exact words in this sample prayer. In fact he doesn’t want repetitive prayer; that is memorized prayers.
I like to begin my prayer with thanksgiving and praise by telling God how thankful I am for his goodness, his love, and his power.
Psalms 100:4 tells us to “Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name.” This compares with “Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.”
Matthew 6 (KJV)
10 Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.
By saying thy kingdom come we are inviting God to be the king of our domain. It is a form of submission to God’s authority. Just as the bible states in Psalms 145:13 God’s kingdom will endure forever. “Thy kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and thy dominion endureth throughout all generations.”
Matthew 6 (KJV)
11 Give us this day our daily bread.
God our father is our provider. You don’t have to worry about your needs being provided. The bible says in Psalms 23:1 “The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.” Like a shepherd keeps watche over his sheep, our heavenly father watches over us and makes sure we have everything we need.
Our father wants us to depend on him. Not only is this a request but it is also an acknowledgement that we need God. It is man’s nature to want to be able to do it all on his own.
When you pray, lay aside pride and be humble before Him. What God can provide is much greater than anything you can provide for yourself. We often fret and worry over what we might not have tomorrow. Knowing the Father is providing daily for us should put our mind at ease.
Matthew 6 (KJV)
12 And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.
Forgiveness is so important to our relationship with the Father. The Bible says in Matthew 5: 23 Therefore if thou bring thy gift to the altar, and there rememberest that thy brother hath ought against thee; 24 Leave there thy gift before the altar, and go thy way; first be reconciled to thy brother, and then come and offer thy gift.
You may wonder why this is important. God has forgiven us and we must forgive others. To learn more about forgiveness watch my YouTube video on Forgiveness
Matthew 6 (KJV)
13 And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil:….
“Lead us not into temptation” is another way of saying, “lead us away from temptation.”
Psalms 32:8 tells us God leads us. “ I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way which thou shalt go: I will guide thee with mine eye.”
Psalms 37: 23 assures us God is directing our steps. “The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD: and he delighteth in his way.”
The father desires that we acknowledge him to guide us. Any plans we make on our own will not likely lead us to the place the father has for us. Asking for guidance is also a way of submitting our will to His.
Matthew 6 (KJV)
13 ….For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.
The second half of this last verse in this example prayer once again proclaims our submission to God’s authority and power. This ending verse is more of a declaration where the first verse that invites God’s authority and power.
Five keys to having communion with God the Father are:
- Respect him as our King.
- Acknowledging him as our Provider.
- Keep our heart clean from any unforgiveness.
- Allow him to lead our choices.
- Proclaim and declare Him as our King having all power forever.
Jump into daily prayer and communion with God. The more you pray the more you will see God working in your life. The Father longs to talk with you. Just talk with him as you would a friend. The most important part of prayer is that you are praying.
Download this free Prayer Worksheet, no email required, to help you get started.