How to Pray
Prayer is such a privilege. We, as believers, are given access to commune with the creator of Heaven and Earth. We can come boldly before the throne of grace and seek him for what we have need for (Hebrews 4:16). This is such an important part of our relationship with Christ.
Sometimes people are fearful that they don’t know how to pray or what to say, or how to speak to God. God gave us a template!
Matthew 6:5-13 is the Lord’s Prayer. Although this is wonderful to recite, it is also given to us for an example of how to pray. So, lets get into it…
Vs. 5-6:
5. 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. 6. But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly.
- Speaking with God in private is powerful. It is not a show for others to hear you but instead a place to speak with Jesus that you have set a part just for you and him. (like forreal though, make you a space…and don’t let anyone be in your space)
Vs 7: But when ye pray, use not vain repetitions, as the heathen do: for they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking.
- Vain means producing no result, useless. The Bible refers to this as a formalism. A long prayer does not mean its sincere or powerful. Always be sincere and honest when praying. I always tell God how much of a hot mess I am!
Vs 8-9:
8 Be not ye therefore like unto them: for your Father knoweth what things ye have need of, before ye ask him. 9 After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.
Verse 9 is where the prayer begins! Manner means a way in which a thing is done. So this is God showing us what we should do.
- He then starts out by identifying and acknowledging who God is. Hallowed means made Holy, and greatly revered and honored. Always acknowledge who God is and that he is HOLY!
Vs 10: Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.
- Romans 14:17 – The Kingdom of God is righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost. We are praying that our will be aligned with the will of God (Matthew 12:50). We are pulling down what has already been ordained in the heavens and bringing it to earth.
Vs 11: Give us this day our daily bread.
- Verse 11 is asking for provision for the day. God will provide all of our needs. Matthew 6:34
Vs 12: And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.
- We have to forgive others if we want God to forgive us (John 20:23). There is a great example of this, Matthew 18:23-35. You can also look at vs 14 and 15 of this chapter!
Vs 13: 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.
- We must pray often that we are not tempted to sin because although our spirit is willing to be obedient, our flesh is frail. Matthew 26:41,
- Everything was created by God …always recognize that the earth is his and the fullness thereof…He is the Creator. Acts 17:24
Prayer is how we talk to God. Although, he knows everything, he still wants us to talk to him. This is how relationship is built! Just wait until you’re praying, and he begins to respond!!
With love,
SOS