How Should I Pray?
Prayer is honest conversation with God, made possible by Jesus Christ.
Primary Scripture
Matthew 6:9–13
In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus taught His followers how to pray simply, sincerely, and to a Father who already knows their needs.
Prayer is not complicated. Jesus taught that our Father in heaven does not need many words (Matthew 6:7). He simply invites us to come.
The Model Prayer
Jesus gave us a pattern in Matthew 6:9–13 — worship (‘hallowed be Your name’), kingdom (‘Your kingdom come’), provision (‘give us this day our daily bread’), forgiveness, and deliverance from evil.
What this does not mean
Prayer is not chanting, bargaining with God, or performing religious duty. It is speaking with a loving Father through Jesus Christ.
Application
Use the Lord's Prayer as a starting frame — praise, kingdom, provision, forgiveness, guidance, deliverance — and then speak from your heart.
Reflection questions
- What keeps me from praying honestly?
- How would I speak differently if I truly believed God was listening?