How Should We Pray According To Jesus?
The Teaching of Jesus on Prayer: Learning from the Master
Prayer is central to the Christian life. Jesus, our Lord and Savior, not only modeled a vibrant prayer life but also gave clear instructions about how we should pray. His teachings, especially found in the Gospels, provide a blueprint for approaching God with humility, faith, and sincerity. Let’s explore what Jesus said about prayer and how these truths can transform our communion with God.
1. Pray Sincerely, Not for Show
Jesus warns against praying to impress others. True prayer is directed to God, not to an audience. He said:
And when ye pray, ye shall not be as the hypocrites: for they love to stand and pray in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets, that they may be seen of men. Verily I say unto you, They have received their reward. But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thine inner chamber, and having shut thy door, pray to thy Father who is in secret, and thy Father who seeth in secret shall recompense thee. - Matthew 6:5-6 ASV
Jesus emphasizes that prayer is meant to be a genuine conversation with God, not a performance. God values authenticity over eloquence or public recognition.
2. Avoid Empty Repetition
Jesus also cautions against mindless repetition or lengthy prayers meant to manipulate God:
And in praying use not vain repetitions, as the Gentiles do: for they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking. Be not therefore like unto them: for your Father knoweth what things ye have need of, before ye ask him. - Matthew 6:7-8 ASV
God desires heartfelt communication. He already knows our needs, so prayer is not about informing Him, but expressing trust and dependence.
3. The Model Prayer: The Lord’s Prayer
Jesus gave His disciples a pattern for prayer, often called "The Lord’s Prayer." It’s not just for rote memorization, but as a guide to the priorities and attitudes we should have:
After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father who art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done, as in heaven, so on earth. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. And bring us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one. - Matthew 6:9-13 ASV
Key elements of this prayer include:
- Addressing God as Father – prayer is relational.
- Worship and reverence – “Hallowed be thy name.”
- Submission to God’s will – “Thy will be done.”
- Dependence for daily needs – “Give us this day our daily bread.”
- Confession and forgiveness – “Forgive us our debts…”
- Seeking spiritual protection – “Deliver us from the evil one.”
4. Pray with Faith and Persistence
Jesus encourages boldness and perseverance in prayer:
And all things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive. - Matthew 21:22 ASV
And he spake a parable unto them to the end that they ought always to pray, and not to faint; - Luke 18:1 ASV
Prayer should be marked by faith in God’s goodness and persistence, trusting Him even when answers are delayed or unexpected.
5. Pray in Jesus’ Name
Jesus taught that we should pray in His name, recognizing that He is our mediator and access to the Father:
And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. - John 14:13 ASV
Praying “in Jesus’ name” is more than a phrase; it reflects our alignment with His will and reliance on His finished work.
6. Forgiveness and Reconciliation
Jesus links effective prayer with a forgiving heart:
And whensoever ye stand praying, forgive, if ye have aught against any one; that your Father also who is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses. - Mark 11:25 ASV
Bitterness or unforgiveness can hinder our prayers. We are called to forgive others as we have been forgiven.
Conclusion: Prayer as a Relationship
Jesus’ teaching on prayer invites us into a loving, reverent, and honest relationship with God. We pray to our heavenly Father, through the Son, by the Spirit, with faith, humility, and persistence. As we follow His example and instructions, we grow in intimacy with God and see His will accomplished in our lives.