What makes “Christian prayer” different from the prayers of other religions? Some religions olm chants. Other religions emphasize silence and meditation. Many religions have memorized prayers for every occasion. But how does Christian prayer stand out from all the rest? Knowing the correct answer to these questions depends upon whether or not a Christian is following Jesus’ instructions on prayer. 

What should Christian prayer look like?

What should we pray about?

What should the goal of our prayers be?

Is there a right way & wrong way to pray?

We will answer these questions and more as we study Luke 11:1-4 where Jesus Himself teaches His disciples to pray…

Now it came to pass, as He was praying in a certain place, when He ceased, that one of His disciples said to Him, “Lord, teach us to pray, as John also taught his disciples.” So, He said to them, “When you pray, say: Our Father in heaven, Hallowed be Your name. Your kingdom come. Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us day by day our daily bread. And forgive us our sins, for we also forgive everyone who is indebted to us. And do not lead us into temptation but deliver us from the evil one.”” (Luke 11:1–4, NKJV)

We will also examine Jesus’ teaching on prayer from Matthew’s Gospel…

“And when you pray, you shall not be like the hypocrites. For they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the corners of the streets, that they may be seen by men. Assuredly, I say to you, they have their reward. But you, when you pray, go into your room, and when you have shut your door, pray to your Father who is in the secret place; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly. And when you pray, do not use vain repetitions as the heathen do. For they think that they will be heard for their many words. “Therefore, do not be like them. For your Father knows the things you have need of before you ask Him. In this manner, therefore, pray: Our Father in heaven, Hallowed be Your name. Your kingdom come. Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And do not lead us into temptation but deliver us from the evil one. For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen. “For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.” (Matthew 6:5–15, NKJV)

Lord, help us to not only study what Jesus taught about prayer. 

But teach us to pray.                    Pastor Mike