Have you ever considered how you approach God? Maybe you feel as if you don’t know how to pray? Maybe you wish you knew more about prayer.
Jesus taught us what manner to pray in Matthew 6.
Prayer is really just talking to God. Although we can pray anywhere at any time, Jesus gave us direction concerning prayer.
First, Jesus says we need to be sincere in our prayers, and not to pray for show.
And when thou prayest, thou shalt not be as the hypocrites are: for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets, that they may be seen of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward.
Matthew 6:5
Second, Jesus says our prayers need to be meaningful.
But when ye pray, use not vain repetitions, as the heathen do: for they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking.
Matthew 6:7
Finally, Jesus gave us a pattern to follow. One way to remember the pattern is to think praise, petition, and protection.
Jesus starts with praise.
After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.
Matthew 6:9-10
Since we know that in the millennium God will establish His kingdom here, a really loose translation would be to say: Father! Glory be your name! Establish your kingdom, and your will be done!
He follows with a petition for daily needs and forgiveness.
Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.
Matthew 6:11-12
He ends with a request for protection with an acknowledgment that God is able:
And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.
Matthew 6:13
Praise, petition, & protection are an easy way to remember the manner that Jesus set forth. I have to admit, I have been guilty of jumping right in with a long list of petitions. It is important to remember to praise God just because He is God.
Although, Jesus gave us a short prayer as an example, this is not to say that our prayers have to be short, but the length of the prayer does not affect whether they are heard or not. Depending on what you are taking to God, your prayers could be much longer. If you are expecting an answer, you will want to spend some time listening as well.
LIFE APPLICATION
Key Focal Verse:
If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear me: But verily God hath heard me; he hath attended to the voice of my prayer. Blessed be God, which hath not turned away my prayer, nor his mercy from me.
Psalms 66:18-20
Today’s challenge is to follow the manner that Jesus taught us to pray. Remember to spend some time praising God when you pray – before you jump right in with your petitions. And of course, remember to thank Him for what He has done for you! We really are blessed that we can go to God with all our needs!