A Simple Guide to Prayer

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 also have forgiven our debtors.
And lead us not into temptation,
    but deliver us from evil.
Matthew 6:10-13

Does prayer feel comforting or confusing? Many people lack confidence in their prayer life—they wonder if they are “doing it right.” The truth is, prayer, in its most simple definition, is talking with God. It is an opportunity to have a conversation with God—to know Him, and be known by Him.

When Jesus taught His disciples to pray, He used the Lord’s Prayer as an example. 

Many people misinterpret the Lord’s Prayer as something to recite every time they pray. But Jesus intended the Lord’s Prayer to be a framework, not a formula. God is more interested in our hearts when we pray than He is in our words. In Matthew 6:7, Jesus said, “When you pray, do not use vain repetitions as the heathens do. For they think that they will be heard for their many words.” 

Here is an example of how each segment of the Lord’s Prayer can be used: 

• Our Father in heaven

Addressing God as our Father speaks to intimacy. A Father and His child are in a close relationship—in other words, you can be at ease knowing your Father loves you, cares for you, and wants to spend time with you. When you start your prayer time, start with a mindset of relationship and closeness. 

• Hallowed be your name

The word “hallowed” means holy or greatly revered. When we begin our prayers by expressing how holy and great God is, it positions us with expectation and faith. Before bringing your requests to God, express gratitude for His power and greatness.

• Your kingdom come, your will be done on earth as it is in heaven

Praying for God’s will to be done in our lives helps us surrender to His plan and hold our plan loosely. God cares about our desires and wants to hear our requests, but He also loves it when His children are full of trust and surrender. 

• Give us today our daily bread
  

As a loving Father, God wants to provide for our needs. Whether it is financial provision or wisdom that we need—we don’t need to toil trying to figure it all out ourselves. God wants us to learn to trust Him for our daily bread. 

• Forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors
  

It requires humility to bring our sin and brokenness to God. But as humility grows in our lives, so does our compassion. It’s easier to extend forgiveness to others when we recognize how often we need forgiveness. Take time in your prayers to ask for God’s forgiveness for any disobedience, and pray for the strength to forgive others. 

• And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one
  

The conclusion of the Lord’s Prayer is a request for protection from the attack of the enemy. We are in a spiritual battle, and we need God’s presence and strength. When you pray, take time to ask for God’s protection and discernment from anything that would pull you away from Him and His best.

For more Teach Us to P.R.A.Y. series resources, click here.