If you are like me, you’ve been around prayer all your life but have never been taught how to pray. There is no step-by-step course or structured training in most churches, even though prayer is our most powerful weapon. And yet, so few Christians know how to use it effectively.
The good news? Jesus himself gave us clear instructions on prayer in Matthew 6:5-13. These words aren’t just advice—they are a direct model from the Son of God. Let’s break them down and learn how to pray the way Jesus intended.
Pray in Private, Not for Show
“And when you pray, you must not be like the hypocrites. For they love to stand and pray in the synagogues and at the street corners, that they may be seen by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. But when you pray, go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.” (Matthew 6:5-6, ESV)
Jesus starts by warning against hypocrisy in prayer. He calls out those who pray loudly in public, not to seek God, but to impress others. Their reward? Human recognition, not a genuine connection with God.
Instead, Jesus instructs us to pray in private. This doesn’t mean public prayer is wrong—corporate prayer in church or small groups is important—but our personal prayers should be intimate conversations with God, not performances for people.
When you pray behind closed doors, with no one to impress, you can be completely honest. There’s no pressure to sound eloquent or say the “right” things. You are simply speaking to your Father in heaven, and He delights in that.
Keep It Simple and Sincere
“And when you pray, do not heap up empty phrases as the Gentiles do, for they think that they will be heard for their many words. Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him.” (Matthew 6:7-8, ESV)
God already knows your needs, so why do we pray? Because He wants a relationship with us. Prayer isn’t about reciting the right words; it’s about genuine connection.
In Jesus’ time, many religious people believed that long, elaborate prayers would make them more likely to be heard. Some still think this way today. But Jesus says this is unnecessary. God listens to sincerity, not length.
Talk to God like you would a close friend. No need for special phrases or formal language. God isn’t impressed by fancy words—He is moved by a humble heart.
Jesus’ Model Prayer
After teaching what not to do, Jesus gives us a model of how to pray:
“Pray then like this: 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 6:9-13, ESV)
Let’s break this down:
- Honor God First – “Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name.”
Begin with worship. Recognize God’s holiness. He is set apart, worthy of praise, and our relationship with Him should reflect reverence. - Seek God’s Will – “Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.”
Prayer isn’t about bending God’s will to ours. It’s about aligning our hearts to His purposes. Instead of demanding what we want, we should desire what He wants. - Ask for Daily Provision – “Give us this day our daily bread.”
Jesus reminds us to trust God for our daily needs—physical, emotional, and spiritual. We don’t have to stockpile blessings. God provides what we need, when we need it. - Seek Forgiveness and Forgive Others – “Forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors.”
If we expect God to forgive us, we must extend that same grace to others. Holding onto bitterness blocks our relationship with God. - Pray for Protection – “Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.”
We are in a spiritual battle. We need God’s help to resist temptation and stand firm against the enemy’s attacks.
This isn’t a script to recite mindlessly. It’s a framework to guide our personal prayers.
Understanding God’s Will in Prayer
One of the biggest struggles in prayer is understanding God’s will. What if He doesn’t answer the way we expect?
God’s will is for all people to be saved.
That means our prayers should align with His heart for redemption. If we’re praying for things that build His kingdom—wisdom, strength to share the gospel, or opportunities to serve—He will answer.
But when we ask for things outside His will—like selfish gain or outcomes that don’t glorify Him—His answer may be different than what we want.
Keyphrase: Trust God’s will in prayer.
We can ask for anything, but we must trust that God’s way is always best. Sometimes, His “no” is a greater blessing than a “yes.”
Final Thoughts
Prayer isn’t about performance. It’s about relationship. Jesus didn’t give us a rigid formula but a guide to help us connect with our Father in a meaningful way.
So today, take time to pray—privately, sincerely, and according to Jesus’ example. He is listening. And He delights in hearing from you.
What’s stopping you from praying today?
Other Resources:
Walk in Humility
Spiritual Warefare: Equiping yourself with the armor of God
How to reach God when you pray – Love Worth Finding
