The Lord's Prayer- How to pray like a Disciple

What does prayer look like? How should we do it? Does it really matter if we pray?

These are all questions that Jesus addresses in this part of His sermon.

So what are the key things to look for when you pray?

V. 5-8: Heart Disposition

V.5-6

Do not pray to be seen.

Prayer should not be a means of drawing attention to ourselves.

This doesn’t mean that we can’t pray in public, but it speaks against the idea of making a show of ourselves.

Two further things: Jesus expects you to pray, and it can be done anywhere.

V. 7-8

The gentiles as they prayed to their many gods, were praying in order to convince their gods to act for them.

This is contrary to our God who knows the need before we ask.

Why do we pray then?

Prayer is used as a formative work in you and me.

AKA as we humbly come to God, God uses our prayers in order to make us more like Jesus.

So in summary God cares about the way you pray. The crucial thing is not how fancy the words are, or how long the prayer is, but are you doing it with a right heart aimed at knowing and pleasing God.

This goal can only be achieved by those who know Jesus and have a heart that loves God.

Discussion Questions:

How does it make you feel that God knows your needs before you pray? Does this encourage or discourage you to pray?

Can I go to God in prayer about anything? How can I know what to pray for and what not to?

What are some ways you can better implement prayer in your life?