“And when you come before God, don’t turn that into a theatrical production either. All these people are making a regular show out of their prayers, hoping for fifteen minutes of fame! Do you think God sits in a box seat? Here’s what I want you to do: Find a quiet, secluded place so you won’t be tempted to role-play before God. Just be there as simply and honestly as you can manage. The focus will shift from you to God, and you will begin to sense his grace. The world is full of so-called prayer warriors who are prayer ignorant. They’re full of formulas and programs and advice, peddling techniques for getting what you want from God. Don’t fall for that nonsense. This is your Father you are dealing with, and he knows better than you what you need. With a God like this loving you, you can pray very simply. Like this…” Matthew 6:5-13 (The Message Version)

Instruction is so valuable. I don’t know about you, but I’m always thankful when someone is able and willing to teach me how to do something I want to learn. If I have a task to accomplish and feel ill-equipped to perform it, that stirs up anxiety. So welcome then, is the one who is willing to teach me. What a gift to say, “Here, do it like this!” That’s exactly what we see our gracious Lord doing in Matthew chapter six. His faithful followers then, and loyal followers now, struggled to know, “Jesus, how do we pray well?” Knowing the “right” way to pray can illude us. When we yearn to have the longings of our hearts penetrate the veil of heaven finding the right words can overwhelm us. Thankfully, we don’t have to wonder how to pray. Jesus tells us, “Here, do it like this!” How compassionate He is!

Simply pray:

Our Father, who is in heaven, hallowed be Your name.

Begin with praise and worship. Acknowledge God the Father, your loving, holy Father!

Your kingdom come, your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.

Surrender your heart, life, and will to the Father’s. Declare that He alone is worthy of your unwavering trust and good goodwill for your life. Present to him your dreams and desires, yes, but acknowledge that His ways are far above yours, and you trust them.

Give us this day our daily bread.

Ask the Lord to meet your needs. There is simply nothing too big or too small to bring before your Father, so ask freely with humility and thanksgiving for what you need. Ask for His provision both physically and spiritually. He loves to bless His kids!

And forgive us our debts [sins, trespasses], as we have forgiven our debtors [letting go of both the wrong and the resentment].

Ask the Lord to search you and point out any offense or source of unforgiveness or bitterness. As He brings thoughts and hurts to the surface, confess them with a genuine heart, and bless those who curse you. Ask for courage to make wrongs right. Praise the Lord for the undeserved forgiveness He offers you and extend that same gift to others.

And do not lead us into temptation but deliver us from evil.

Pray that the Lord will strengthen you to operate from a place of self-control. When needed, ask that He illuminate escape routes away from the temptation to sin. Pray for safety, protection, and deliverance from any evil plan the enemy may try to prosper against you.

[For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.]

Confess His greatness at the beginning and at the end, just as He is the Alpha and Omega. Declare God’s omnipotent power and His holy reign. Assign to Him all the glory He is due. He is a good, good Father!!