When the disciples asked Jesus how to pray, He gave them some pretty specific directions that are still relevant today.
1.Watch your motive in prayer
Mathew 6:5 When you pray, don’t be like those show-offs who love to stand up and pray in the meeting places and on the street corners. They do this just to look good. I can assure you that they already have their reward.
Jesus gave his followers the direction to pray from the heart. He gave an example of what prayer was not. It isn’t an outward show or fancy words. It’s purpose isn’t to impress man.
2.Keep your prayer life vibrant between you and God
Matthew 6:6 When you pray, go into a room alone and close the door. Pray to your Father in private. He knows what is done in private, and he will reward you.
Prayer is never to be a ritual or an obligation. It should be a natural outflowing of our daily walking and talking and including our Father in our business. The fact we can call Him Father means that we are His children and have access any time. He hears and answers.
3.Keep prayer simple and short
Matthew 6:7 When you pray, don’t talk on and on as people do who don’t know God. They think God likes to hear long prayers. Mat 6:8 Don’t be like them. Your Father knows what you need before you ask.
Who are we trying to impress? Since we’re talking to our Father who knows all, we can simply be ourselves and ask for what we need.
4.Finally, pray to honor your Father
Matthew 6:9 You should pray like this: Our Father in heaven, help us to honor your name.
Notice again that Jesus said to pray to our Father. It’s amazing how many people don’t address God as Father when they pray. He isn’t just God to us. We have a relationship with Him that allows us to ask and pray and receive. Our Heavenly Father has abundant resources available to answer prayer that overcome the limitations of this earth. Therefore we can never exhaust His power or ability or love when we pray. When we pray that God’s will be done on earth, we are honoring Him. We are allowing Him to use us in prayer. God needs us to pray and allow Him to do on earth what He desires.
