What Does It Mean to Follow Jesus?Sýnishorn

Praying Like Jesus

We’ve talked about saying yes to Jesus and no to competing leaders in our lives. What’s next? Over the remaining three days, we’re going to explore three practical ways we can become more like Jesus.

1. Praying like Jesus prayed
2. Serving like Jesus served
3. Loving like Jesus loved

Praying like Jesus Prayed

Jesus modeled regular conversation with God the Father. Jesus prayed in public, in private, with His close friends, and for the sick. But He never made a spectacle of prayer—and He warned against praying with fancy words to gain attention from others.

Prayer connects us with our heavenly Father and provides us with encouragement, strength, and direction. Jesus knew this, and that’s why He regularly prayed to God. We’re wise to follow His lead. But how do we pray?

Jesus didn’t leave us guessing how to pray. He said, “This is how you should pray,” and then proceeded to teach what we now call the Lord’s Prayer. Whether you’re new to praying or you have a strong prayer life, Jesus’ words below can be a helpful place to start as you spend time with God. But don’t just say the words—allow them to show up in your life and change the way you live.

“Our Father in heaven,

hallowed be your name,

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 lead us not into temptation,

but deliver us from the evil one.”

Matthew 6:9-13 NIV

Prayer is simple yet powerful. As you pray, never lose the wonder of what you’re doing. You’re speaking to the eternal, all-powerful God of the universe, who’s thrilled to hear from you. So don’t worry about having all the right words. Instead, express your heart to Him. Ask Him to continue changing you and helping you become more like Him.

Read more about how to pray like Jesus with the Lord’s Prayer.

Pause and Pray

Father in heaven, thank You for wanting to hear from me. Please help me connect with You consistently. As I pray, please remind me that You’re close and You care about both the big and small things I’m going through. I trust You and want to grow closer to You each day. In Jesus’ name, amen.