Prayer is the means by which we communicate with our Heavenly Father through intercession made by Jesus Christ.
“Christ Jesus is the one who died-more than that, who was raised-who is at the right hand of God, who indeed is interceding for us.” Romans 8:34
Prayer is not about asking God for something in hopes of simply getting what you want. Prayer is sacred. It is constant. It is relational, a way to receive wisdom, guidance and words. Prayer is essential in strengthening your relationship with the Lord.
In Matthew 6:9-13, Jesus teaches the disciples how to pray:
9 Pray then like this:
“Our Father in heaven,
hallowed be your name.
10 Your kingdom come,
your will be done,
on earth as it is in heaven.
11 Give us this day our daily bread,
12 and forgive us our debts,
as we also have forgiven our debtors.
13 And lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil.
In this prayer in Matthew 6, also referred to as, “The Lord’s Prayer,” Jesus used it to model for the disciples how to pray. The Lord’s Prayer gives us a road map to guide our prayers to the Lord. Glorification, Provision and Shelter.
Glorification: 9-10
Glorify God in heaven asking for His plans and will to be accomplished despite what we might deeply desire. Our lives are to be a reflection of who He is and our desires should never supersede His ultimate means of glorification. EVEN if it means we do without what we want.
Provision: 11-12
For the majority of us, it is feasible to attain all we want and need. Jesus wants to teach us to rely on God for our daily needs. Be mindful in how you spend your money, give generous of your time, talents and treasures and providing open communication through the act of confession when we have done wrong against others. It is through provision where you may tell God your souls desires. BUT be mindful, God grants us the desires of our hearts ONLY if they are in line with His desires for our life.
Shelter: 13
Requesting protection from the enemy to avoid pitfalls into temptation. Obtaining wisdom will help us clearly see things to avoid. The author of Hebrews reminds us how Jesus can relate to our temptations:
For because He Himself has suffered when tempted, He is able to help those who are being tempted.” Hebrews 2:18
Matthew 6 and other passages of scripture can and should be read and prayed literally, but overall prayer is a time for Jesus to present your request to God and intercede for us. The Lord does want to hear our fears, failures, frustrations, wants and needs, but first, “self” must be removed and honor should be given to the One and Only Glorious King. Matthew 6 is our instruction manual for organizing the priority of prayer to the Lord. The purpose of prayer is to glorify God. If you can remember nothing else, remember your life, your actions, your prayers and your purpose for anything you do, is to bring glory to God.
Jesus prayed often, sometimes all night! He prayed in the garden before he took the penalty for our sins. He broke bread and prayed for miracles from heaven.
John 17:20-23 English Standard Version (ESV)
20 “I do not ask for these only, but also for those who will believe in me through their word, 21 that they may all be one, just as you, Father, are in me, and I in you, that they also may be in us, so that the world may believe that you have sent me. 22 The glory that you have given me I have given to them, that they may be one even as we are one, 23 I in them and you in me, that they may become perfectly one, so that the world may know that you sent me and loved them even as you loved me.
There is no prayer too silly, too serious or too ugly to pray. God hears all. Prayer works. Prayers are answered. God hears prayers.