How Should I Pray? Learn to Talk With Your Heavenly Fatherنموونە

How did Jesus pray?

In the past few days, we have seen that we should approach God with boldness and thanksgiving—not with fear or uncertainty. We reflected on how we can worship God in spirit and in truth by speaking His Word. We now also understand that we do not need to beg God for things He has already given us.

Jesus spoke a lot about prayer. Perhaps the most well-known teaching He gave on the subject is the Lord’s Prayer, found in Matthew 6. Let’s start with verse 5:

Matthew 6:5-6
"And when you pray, you shall not be like the hypocrites. For they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the corners of the streets, that they may be seen by men. Assuredly, I say to you, they have their reward. But you, when you pray, go into your room, and when you have shut your door, pray to your Father who is in the secret place; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly."

Here, Jesus makes it clear that prayer is not a performance to impress others.
Prayer is something personal—an intimate encounter between you and God.

In Matthew 6:7-8, Jesus continues:
"And when you pray, do not use vain repetitions as the heathen do. For they think that they will be heard for their many words. Therefore, do not be like them. For your Father knows the things you have need of before you ask Him."

You don’t have to be afraid that God won’t hear you. He listens to you without requiring long lists or endless repetitions. He already knows you inside and out and understands what is in your heart (Psalm 139:1-4).

Next, Jesus shows us how we should pray.

Read this passage slowly a few times. What stands out to you?

Matthew 6:9-13
"In this manner, therefore, pray:
Our Father in heaven,
Hallowed be Your name.
Your kingdom come.
Your will be done
On earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread.
And forgive us our debts,
As we forgive our debtors.
And do not lead us into temptation,
But deliver us from the evil one.
For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen."

In some translations, this passage may sound a bit old-fashioned, but what it comes down to is that you get to address and approach God as a loving Father. You can trust in His greatness—He reigns from His throne in heaven—yet at the same time, you are so loved and valued by Him that you can always run into His throne room like an uninhibited child.

Nothing compares to His name (Philippians 2:9). His kingdom is eternal (Psalm 145:13). His reign will never end (Isaiah 9:6). What He has spoken will come to pass because His Word stands forever (Isaiah 40:8).

So, submit to His will (Luke 1:38) and ask in faith, knowing that He already knows what you need before you even ask(Matthew 6:8). Forgive others just as you have been forgiven. Acknowledge that you need His help in your daily life and express your desire to keep your heart pure before Him. Pray for His guidance, confident that God will never tempt you with evil (James 1:13).

Worship Him. Praise Him with all your heart for who He is and what belongs to Him.

Did you know that “amen” means “so shall it be” or “so it is”? When you say “amen”, you affirm what you have just prayed. It’s like putting an exclamation mark at the end of your prayer, showing that you fully believe it.

When you magnify God and pray in faith with thanksgiving, in alignment with His Word, your obstacles and problems will melt away. You can always be sure that God hears your prayers (John 14:13). Hallelujah!

Reflection:
How has your way of praying changed in the past few days?
What was a true eye-opener for you?

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This Bible plan is based on a lesson from One in Him Foundation’s One Basics Study Guide. The book covers the fundamentals of faith in 32 lessons. It’s great for personal study at home and even better in group settings.