Matthew 6:5–14 (Listen)

“And when you pray, you must not be like the hypocrites. For they love to stand and pray in the synagogues and at the street corners, that they may be seen by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. But when you pray, go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.

“And when you pray, do not heap up empty phrases as the Gentiles do, for they think that they will be heard for their many words. Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him. 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.

14 For if you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you,




Devotional:

The Lord’s Prayer

What is your motivation in prayer? Is it to sound eloquent or to have a genuine conversation with God? Jesus gives His disciples a model of prayer:

Our Father in Heaven… 

May Your Kingdom come… 

May Your Will be done… 

Give us today…

Forgive our sins…

Rescue us from evil… 

Elaborate and tailor your prayer to fit your context. God wants a personal relationship with you. He wants to know the specifics of your life. I believe specific prayer can lead to specific answers. 

Challenge: Pray for God to use you for His glory and purpose. Pray for your inner circle. Pray for the next generation of believers. 

Reflection: Evaluate your prayer life. How can you be more intentional in your prayer life?