Scripture reading: Matthew 6:5-15, NKJV

Strong relationships are built on robust communication. Many relationships falter because of communication breakdowns. Christianity, unlike organized religion, is a relationship— one that must be actively maintained through constant, heartfelt communication with God. Prayer is not optional for the Christian; it is essential. It is on this premise that Jesus taught His disciples to pray.

Jesus emphasized that prayer must be sincere. It must not be draped in flowery language to impress onlookers or ‘manipulate’ God. Prayer is not for show; it is not an exhibit of piety. Eloquence and verbosity do not sway God—it is the heart that moves Him. Prayer must be intimate and precise, and grounded firmly in faith.

When we pray, we must know who we are addressing: Our Father in Heaven. A Father who cares and loves us deeply. A Father who has our best interests at heart. A willing Father. A dependable Father. Our Father. The word “our” reminds us that we are not alone. We are not alone in our struggles. We are not alone in our journey. We have community, and we have a God who hears us. This understanding must shape our posture in prayer.

“Hallowed be Your name. Your kingdom come. Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.”  Prayer begins with God—not us. When we pray, our primary focus should be God’s glory—His Name, His Kingdom, His Will. We pray for God’s name to be honoured in our lives, our circles, and our world. We pray for the earth to be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the Lord, as the waters cover the sea. We pray for His Kingdom to be established on earth and for His will to prevail. We pray for the spread of the gospel, for the salvation of many searching for hope, for healing for the sick, and for liberation of the oppressed. Our prayers must first be directed toward God—and then they can reflect on our needs. Seek first His Kingdom…

“Give us this day…” One of the cures for worry is daily dependence on God’s provision. In prayer, we entrust our needs to Him. We have a Father who knows us and knows our needs even before we voice them. A Father who gives good gifts to His children. A Father who forgives—and, as He forgives us, our default response to those around us must be one of ready forgiveness.

When we pray, we must ask for the discipline to resist temptation, and the grace to be delivered from evil. We must pray for wisdom to navigate the inevitable “thirst traps” that plague today’s world, and for the laser-sharp focus to pursue righteousness. We must ask for the strength and endurance to run without growing weary, and the resilience to ultimately overcome.

When we pray, we lose ourselves and become more and more like our Father in heaven.
When we pray, we make room for God to reveal His glory more clearly in our lives.
When we pray, we build the resilience to withstand the storms that life brings our way.
So pray—because the fervent, constant prayer of the righteous is powerful and effective.

Let us pray.

Reflection

What is your prayer life like, and how can you improve it by incorporating the lessons from today’s message?