Discipleship Series: How Do I Pray?

Scripture: Matthew 6:9–13

What do I say when I want to pray but do not know where to begin? In Luke 11:1, a disciple asks Jesus to teach them to pray. That request reminds us that prayer is something we can learn and grow in. In this message, we walked through Matthew 6:9–13 to discover how Jesus teaches us to bring every part of life before our Father.

How do I approach God?

Jesus begins with our relationship to the One we are approaching: our Father in heaven. We come with confidence in His care and reverence for who He is. His goodness defines His fatherhood, even when our experience with an earthly father has been painful.

Before giving this prayer, Jesus addresses praying for attention and relying on many words in Matthew 6:5–8. Our Father already knows our needs. Prayer expresses our dependence on Him and grows our fellowship with Him. We can begin honestly, without trying to impress Him.

How do I worship when I pray?

To hallow God’s name is to honor it as holy. We recognize His holiness and ask that His name would be honored in our lives. Adoration directs our attention toward His character: His goodness, mercy, faithfulness, and greatness.

Thanksgiving also belongs in our prayer life. While it is not explicitly named in this line, thanking God naturally accompanies worship. Take time to remember His care and provision, then consider whether your daily conduct honors the name you praise.

What if my desires differ from God’s will?

Praying for God’s kingdom and will includes surrendering our own plans. Jesus models that surrender in Gethsemane, bringing His desire honestly to the Father while submitting to His will. We can bring the outcome we hope for and ask God to shape our hearts as we trust Him.

This prayer also reaches beyond ourselves. We can pray for God’s purposes in our families, church, community, and the lives of people who need Christ. Surrender and intercession help turn our attention toward what He desires.

Can I bring ordinary needs to God?

Jesus includes daily bread in His model prayer. The necessities of everyday life matter to our Father. We can speak specifically about provision, work, health, wisdom, and concerns within our homes. Daily bread teaches us to keep depending on Him.

The word “our” also reminds us to remember others. As we ask for what we need, we can pray for people who lack the provision we already enjoy and remain attentive to opportunities to help.

How do I pray about sin and forgiveness?

Jesus teaches us to seek forgiveness while extending it to others. Confession acknowledges our wrongdoing; repentance turns us toward God and away from sin. We can name our sin honestly, accept responsibility, and ask Him to help us change.

We also bring our wounds and struggles with unforgiveness before Him. Ephesians 4:32 connects forgiving others with the forgiveness we have received through Christ. Forgiveness can coexist with appropriate boundaries, and rebuilding trust may take time.

How do I pray about temptation?

Asking for protection and deliverance acknowledges that we need God’s guidance and strength. James 1:13 makes clear that God does not entice people to sin. We ask Him to keep us from falling and help us respond faithfully when temptation comes.

Pray about the areas where you are vulnerable. Ask for discernment and strength, then pair that prayer with watchfulness and practical obedience.

Where does my confidence rest?

In the NKJV, the prayer closes by acknowledging God’s kingdom, power, and glory. We entrust our requests to Him, even when the answer has not yet arrived. His character and wisdom give us a place to rest our confidence.

This week, read Matthew 6:9–13 slowly. Pause after each phrase and pray about that part in your own words. Let Jesus’ teaching guide your worship, surrender, requests, repentance, forgiveness, and dependence.

Key Takeaways:

• We approach our Father with confidence and reverence.

• Prayer includes worship, surrender, everyday needs, forgiveness, and protection.

• Jesus gives us a pattern we can practice in our own words.

Reflection:

Which part of Jesus’ model prayer needs more attention in your prayer life?

What would it look like to bring that part of your life before the Father this week?

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