Jesus

September 21

Matthew 6:5-15

Jesus teaches about prayer

Jesus was teaching His disciples the things they needed to know to be good followers. He showed them how to live a godly life in the real world. Then Jesus taught them how to talk to God, saying, “This is how you should pray:

Our Father in heaven, we honor and glorify Your Name.

May Your Kingdom come, and may Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.

Please give us the food we need for today.

Forgive us for all the wrongs we have done, just as we forgive those who have hurt us in some way.

Do not lead us into tough trials, but keep us from temptation and the power of the evil one; for the kingdom and power and glory are Yours forever and ever.

Amen.”                               

Is the ‘Lord’s Prayer’ an example of the perfect prayer?

Jesus prayed this prayer to teach His disciples the sort of things they should pray about. His prayer is also an example of the order in which we should pray about things. Jesus began His prayer by worshiping God, then He prayed for other things.

However, just because Jesus prayed this prayer, it doesn’t mean that it is the only prayer we should pray. Although it is the best example of a prayer, God wants us to talk to Him personally and not just repeat words without thinking about what we’re saying.

The relationship between friends grows stronger as they chat and get to know each other. You would not just say the same things over and over to your friend. In the same way, God wants to hear the words and feelings that come from your heart—and to God, that’s what makes your prayer the perfect prayer.

Verse for today   

And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints. Ephesians 6:18