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Learning How to Pray

“And when you pray, do not be like the hypocrites, for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the street corners to be seen by others. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full. But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you. And when you pray, do not keep on babbling like pagans, for they think they will be heard because of their many words. Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him. MATTHEW 6:5-13 NIV

JESUS TEACHES ME THAT PRAYER BEGINS WITH AUTHENTICITY, NOT APPEARANCE

“This, then, is how you should pray: “‘Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name,… MATTHEW 6:9 NIV

JESUS TEACHES ME TO CENTER MY LIFE ON GOD’S NAME, NOT MY OWN

Then they said, “Come, let us build ourselves a city, with a tower that reaches to the heavens, so that we may make a name for ourselves; otherwise we will be scattered over the face of the whole earth.” GENESIS 11:4 NIV

JESUS TEACHES ME TO ENGAGE THE WORLD, NOT ESCAPE IT

…your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. MATTHEW 6:10 NIV

Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. ROMANS 12:21 NIV

Give us today 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 the evil one.’ MATTHEW 6:11-13 NIV

JESUS TEACHES ME TO APPROACH GOD WITH OPEN HANDS, NOT CLENCHED FISTS

I lift up my eyes to the mountains—where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth. PSALM 121:1-2 NIV

“Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly.” MATTHEW 11:28-30 MSG

My Notes

Personal Reflection Guide

Find a quiet space to reflect on the sermon, inviting the Holy Spirit to guide you. Read Psalm 23 slowly and prayerfully. What are you feeling and thinking about after meditating on the psalm? How does that compare to your traditional prayer practice? What do you sense God is offering or inviting you into today as you pray? In Matthew 6:5-8 (NIV), Jesus gives careful instructions for how we should pray. What challenges or struggles do you experience with prayer? Talk honestly with God about these things, knowing that He genuinely wants to connect with you through prayer. Now read Jesus’ prayer in Matthew 6:9-13 (NIV). What stands out to you? How might The Lord’s Prayer help you develop your prayer life? Ask Jesus to give you clarity and direction about the ways you might grow in how you pray or what you pray for. Imagine what your life might look like if you were more intentional about your prayer rhythms. How do you want to connect with God more deeply or frequently through prayer? Commit to taking a step in that direction this week. Thank God for giving you unlimited access to Him anytime and anywhere through prayer.

Discussion Questions

For our Matthew series, we’re offering two options for discussing the sermon and Scripture. Choose option A or B to guide your group’s discussion time.

(A) The R.E.A.L. Bible Study Method:

1. Read the Passage. Start by reading Matthew 6:5-13 (NLT) out loud.

2. Explore the Theme. What are the main points or theme of the passage? What does this passage reveal about God and/or humanity?

3. Ask God. How do we apply these passages to our lives today? How might God be encouraging or challenging you?

4. Live It Out. What prayerful and specific action will you take based on what you learned?

(B) Choose a couple of questions from each section below to discuss as a group:

  1. START HERE: Who would you love to have a conversation with, and why?
  2. START HERE: How would you describe prayer to someone who didn’t grow up experiencing or practicing it?
  3. START HERE: What is your typical prayer practice, and what do you pray about?
  4. KEEP GOING: How have you seen your prayers change or affect your life?
  5. KEEP GOING: Read Matthew 6:5-8 (NIV). In your own words, describe what Jesus is emphasizing about prayer in this passage.
  6. KEEP GOING: As you consider Jesus’ instructions in Matthew 6:5-8, what most stands out to you, and why?
  7. KEEP GOING: Read Matthew 6:9-13 (NIV). Identify the key themes of Jesus’ prayer. Which, if any, do you find challenging to ask Him today?
  8. KEEP GOING: How would you like to change or grow your prayer practice?
  9. LIVE IT OUT: In what ways could you pray for the world this week, not just yourself and “your world?”
  10. LIVE IT OUT: End group by praying Matthew 6:9-13 (NIV) together, out loud.