A New Way to Pray

Genesis 16-18:15 Matthew 6:1-24 Psalm 7 Proverbs 2:1-5

“This, then, is how you should pray:” (Matthew 6:9 TNIV).

When Jesus came to Earth, the religious leaders were not modeling how to follow God very well. They followed laws and rules religiously, but their hearts were really no different than those of the tax collectors they despised. But rather being trapped by a love of money, they were trapped by love of attention from others. This greed even showed up in how they prayed, making it a public show so everyone could see how good and holy they were.

Jesus shows His followers another way. A way of sincere relationship that is between a person and God. He gives them a model for their prayers. Not a form prayer for them to pray every time, but a concept of what should be in their prayers. Embracing God as our Father and looking for His desires for our lives to become reality. Putting our trust in Him to take care of us. Recognizing our shortcomings and forgiving others for theirs. Asking for help to be rescued from evil and sin.

Father God, who lives in heaven, Your name is holy in our lives. Make Your kingdom a reality here on Earth. We want to be available to You to accomplish Your desires for this world, just like You do in heaven. Thank you for giving us what we need today. Forgive us for our sins, and teach us how to forgive the people who hurt us. Rescue us from Satan and all these things that tempt us that would come between us. Amen.