Christian Foundations 3 - GrowthSample

PRAYER IS IMPORTANT

The Jewish spiritual leaders in Jesus’ day were good at praying. They had lots of set prayers that they had memorized and could repeat, and they were not shy about displaying their prayer life. It was pretty impressive seeing them on the street corner with their hands raised, praying aloud for hours on end. You couldn’t help but admire their commitment and ‘godliness.’ The trouble was that God had no interest in their prayers. Jesus said that they were just babbling on and on to the sky. We certainly don’t want to get this prayer thing wrong like them. Prayer is the lifeblood of our relationship with God. So how should we pray?

Read: Matthew 6:5-13

Journal

1. What is God saying to me? Which verse is most significant?

2. What do I want to discuss/read further?

3. What do I need to do?

4. How was Jesus’ prayer different from the prayers of the hypocrites?

Reflect

So what makes prayer that God listens to? Well, it doesn’t have to be lengthy or sound good. We don’t have to tell God about all the details. He already knows. And it doesn’t have to be public. I’m sure that God likes prayer meetings, but some of the best prayers are those cries from the heart when no-one is around to hear except God. So if you can’t pray for long or can’t pray aloud at this stage, that’s fine. It actually might help. But what does God want? Two things from this passage.

First, he wants your prayer to be directed to him and filled with trust in him. Notice that the first half of Jesus’ prayer is all about God and his power and plans. Ultimately prayer is not about our dreams and desires but about God’s glory and plans. We’re looking for God to be honored and God’s will to be done. We want what he wants. We long for God to be pleased and obeyed. Our honor of him and trust in him comes first. This doesn’t mean that you say these exact words every time you pray, but the attitude must be there. Prayer is not manipulating God to meet our needs but asking God to do what he sees as right.

Second, he wants you to be authentic. Tell it like it is. You’ve got some issues today (“daily bread”), then tell him about them. Just be real. And you’ve made mistakes (“debts”). Don’t bluff your way through but be honest. “I’m so sorry, I really blew it, God. Please forgive me.” You are under pressure from Satan (“temptation”). Tell God that you’re not doing so well. Ask for help and a way out. He knows it’s hard for you. The more authentic your prayer, the more God loves it.

Pray

Well, I‘m not great at praying Lord. I wish that I could put words together better or pray for longer or focus more or have more faith. But I do want your honor and desires more than anything and I can be honest. So may your plans succeed, and may you be respected and worshipped. As for me, well I really do need your forgiveness and help. Thanks.

Respond

Try praying this model prayer of Jesus aloud. Do it a few times. It’s good to pray this model prayer every now and then.