Jesus' Prayer RecipeSample

R.E.A.C.H.

When Jesus’ disciples asked Him to teach them how to pray, he taught them a prayer outline (Luke 11:1). While studying Matthew 6:9-13, I noticed that this outline creates an acrostic that spells R.E.A.C.H; Recognize, Encourage, Ask, Confess, and Help. The acrostic gives us a well-rounded prayer taught by Jesus. R.E.A.C.H is an organizational aid to assist our wandering minds as we pray. This pattern is well-rounded as it highlights the supremacy of God's will while also valuing our needs.

First, God's will appears in the early portion of the pattern (Recognize, Encourage). This portion focuses on the priority of God and His will as it moves us into God’s presence. Hence, the greatness of God is found in the phrases: your name, your kingdom, and your will.

Second, the pattern focuses on our needs in the latter portion; Ask, Confess, and Help. This portion of the prayer focuses on God’s place in every aspect of our lives as the prayer invites the power of God to meet our needs. This portion presents three essential needs of humanity in the spheres in which we move. Daily bread brings our present needs to God. Forgiveness allows God to cover our past failures. Help in Temptation commits our future victories into God’s hands.

In summary, Jesus encourages us to faithfully walk in step with God who is the only one who can supply these provisions. Such an outlook moves us to bend our desires towards God’s and not God’s desires towards ours. Now, which of these five actions in the R.E.A.C.H. pattern comes easiest for you? Which is hardest? Ask our Father to help you overcome these reasons.