Jesus Taught Us How to Pray.
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The Privilege, Power, Joy, and Blessings of Prayer
Praying to God our Father is the primary way we talk to both God and Jesus. In fact, God wants and desires for us to come to Him in prayer in every situation, and continually. Prayer is a blessed gift and privilege God has given to you and all of His children. “Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” - 1 Thessalonians 5:16–18. And, “So I say to you: Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened. - Luke 11:9-10. When we pray, God hears us and answers our prayers according to His will. “And this is the confidence that we have toward him, that if we ask anything according to his will he hears us.” - 1 John 5:14
Prayer is the foundation of our relationship with God. And so, we should strive to make prayer a part of our everyday lives, not just a sometime event only when we are in need. “Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful.” - Colossians 4:2
The Challenges of Prayer
And yet, while prayer offers us a direct line from our hearts and lips to God’s ears, knowing how to pray is a common struggle for many believers. Praying for others can be even more challenging. Unfortunately, these challenges inhibit our prayer life and stifle our communication with our Father in heaven. As a result, we miss out on God's blessings, comfort, guidance and forgiveness.
Your Heavenly Father does not desire for you to "go it alone". He wants you to come to Him and talk to Him in all situations and circumstances. He longs to have a relationship with His children. And, unlike many relationships we have here on earth, God is always, always there, and ready to listen.
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” - Philippians 4:6-7
The disciples asked Jesus, "Lord, teach us to pray." And Jesus said to them, "When you pray say:"
In the simplicity of The Lord's Prayer, Jesus taught His disciples and us how to pray the most powerful prayers ever uttered. Complete in every way with no elements lacking. Sufficient in every situation and to every need and desire. Reverence in each word according to God's holiness and position as Lord over and above all things. Indeed, The Lord's Prayer is not only sufficient, it is one of God's greatest gifts to His children.
In the structure of The Lord’s Prayer, Jesus has given us a profound and powerful instruction guide to "how to pray". Knowing how to pray to God does not require a shelf of how-to books or a degree in divinity. God never intended prayer to be complicated. He intended it to be simple, direct, and accessible to all of His children. What an incredible gift Jesus has given us! The power to speak directly to our Father in heaven — plainly, honestly, personally, and in the manner in which He taught us — The Lord's Prayer. Thank You, Jesus!
The Lord's Prayer Framework:
Our Father which art in heaven
Acknowledge God as our Father and that He reigns in heaven.
Hallowed be Thy name
His name is above all names—holy, sacred, and worthy of praise.
Thy kingdom come
All that we ask and receive is ultimately to further His kingdom.
Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven
We submit fully to His will, which prevails always—in heaven and on earth.
Give us this day our daily bread
We bring our specific prayer request before Him—our daily need.
And forgive us our sins
Even as He hears and answers, we ask forgiveness for our chronic and recurring sins.
As we forgive those who have sinned against us
As we are forgiven, we ask for strength and humility to forgive others.
And lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil
As blessings come, may we not fall to pride or forgetfulness. Temptation is to believe the blessing is from our own efforts. Deliver us from this evil.
For Thine is the kingdom, the power, and the glory forever. Amen
These blessings are for His kingdom, by His power, and for His glory—forever. So be it.
Our Father which art in heaven
Acknowledge God as our Father and that He reigns in heaven.
His name is above all names—holy, sacred, and worthy of praise.
All that we ask and receive is ultimately to further His kingdom.
We submit fully to His will, which prevails always—in heaven and on earth.
We bring our specific prayer request before Him—our daily need.
Even as He hears and answers, we ask forgiveness for our chronic and recurring sins.
As we are forgiven, we ask for strength and humility to forgive others.
As blessings come, may we not fall to pride or forgetfulness. Temptation is to believe the blessing is from our own efforts. Deliver us from this evil.
These blessings are for His kingdom, by His power, and for His glory—forever. So be it.
