How to Pray Like Jesus Taught
Starting a prayer life can feel intimidating. Sometimes, we don’t know what to say or where to begin. But the most important thing is to simply start—just talk to God, the Creator, every day. He’s not looking for perfect words; He’s looking for a willing heart. Jesus gave us a perfect example to follow, but He also longs for us to come to Him honestly and openly.
Prayer is our direct line to God, and Jesus Himself gave us a powerful example of how to pray in Matthew 6:9-13—what we know today as the Lord’s Prayer. But praying like Jesus goes beyond mere words; it’s about understanding His heart, His approach, and His relationship with the Father. Let’s walk through how Jesus taught us to pray and how we can apply that to our own prayer life.
Start with Reverence and Worship
“Our Father in heaven, hallowed be Your name.” (Matthew 6:9)
Jesus begins with worship, acknowledging God’s holiness and His position in heaven. When we start our prayers with worship, we position our hearts in humility and gratitude, recognizing His power and majesty.
Application: Begin your prayers by praising God for who He is. Reflect on His attributes—His goodness, mercy, sovereignty, and love. This sets the tone for the rest of your prayer.
Pray for His Kingdom and Will
“Your kingdom come, Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.” (Matthew 6:10)
Jesus teaches us to pray for God’s will to be done, not just in our lives but throughout the world. It’s a call to align our desires with His purpose.
Application: Ask God to align your heart with His will. Pray for His kingdom to be evident in your community, your family, and even in your own heart.
Ask for Daily Provision
“Give us this day our daily bread.” (Matthew 6:11)
Jesus encourages us to depend on God for our daily needs—both physical and spiritual. It’s a reminder of His faithfulness to provide.
Application: Bring your needs to God, trusting Him to supply what you need each day. This can include physical needs like food and shelter, as well as spiritual needs like wisdom and peace.
Seek Forgiveness and Offer Forgiveness
“And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors.” (Matthew 6:12)
Jesus emphasizes the importance of repentance and extending grace to others. Forgiveness clears the path for a closer relationship with God and others.
Application: Confess your sins and ask God for forgiveness, then extend that same grace to others who have wronged you.
Pray for Strength Against Temptation
“And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.” (Matthew 6:13)
Jesus concludes His prayer with a plea for protection from evil and strength to overcome temptation.
Application: Ask God to guard your heart and mind, keeping you strong against temptation and alert to the schemes of the enemy.
Conclusion
Praying like Jesus taught is not just about repeating words—it’s about connecting deeply with the Father, trusting His provision, seeking His will, and living in a spirit of forgiveness and protection. As you grow in your prayer life, remember that Jesus provided this model as a pathway to deeper fellowship with God.
Start your next prayer with this outline and watch how your relationship with Him grows stronger and deeper.