Jesus’ Masterclass on Prayer

Jesus didn’t assume we’d automatically know everything about prayer. He graciously taught His followers who wanted to learn how to pray in the Sermon on the Mount, saying:

“When you pray, go into your private room, shut your door, and pray to your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you. When you pray, don’t babble like the Gentiles, since they imagine they’ll be heard for their many words. Don’t be like them, because your Father knows the things you need before you ask him.

“Therefore, you should pray like this:
Our Father in heaven,
your name be honored as holy.
Your kingdom come.
Your will be done
on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us today our daily bread.
And forgive us our debts,
as we also have forgiven our debtors.
And do not bring us into temptation,
but deliver us from the evil one.”
- Matthew 6:6–13 (CSB)

Notice some of the truths Jesus includes:

• Prayer doesn’t have to be lengthy or complicated.
• Prayer isn’t meant to be a public performance, but is about connecting with God.
• Prayer is welcomed by God. He loves to respond when we come to him.
• Prayer is an opportunity to worship God and acknowledge his greatness.
• Prayer can include asking for forgiveness, requesting provision, and seeking God’s will.
• Prayer advances God’s Kingdom on the earth!

Our skill and sophistication don’t matter, because we don’t put our confidence in the power of our prayers. Our confidence is in the power of God, who loves us and listens to us and acts when we pray. This is why we pray.

The “right words” or a certain formula aren’t the focus of prayer. Jesus is.

Prayer:

Our Father in heaven, your name be honored as holy. Your kingdom come.Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. And do not bring us into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.