How Do You Pray?
Bible Readings
Take a few minutes to read the Bible verses listed and ask the Holy Spirit to lead you in how this verse applies to you this week.
Memory Verse
Never give up praying. And when you pray, keep alert and be thankful. (CEV)
How do you pray? When you pray to God, what do you say to him?
In Matthew 6:9-13, Jesus said to his disciples, “You should pray like this…” Let’s look at each sentence and wonder about each part of what we call “The Lord’s Prayer.”
“Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name.” Jesus identified God as our Father. That makes us God’s children. Jesus taught us to start by first worshiping God, remembering who he is, what he’s like, and what he’s done.
“Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.” We ask God for his guidance and presence. We put God first in our lives and do what God wants. We pray that each day God’s kingdom moves forward through us. How can you serve God today?
“Give us today our daily bread.” After worshiping God and offering to do his kingdom work, we tell God what we need. God wants to provide what you need to do that kingdom work. What is something specific you need God to supply?
“And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors.” We confess our sin, ask forgiveness, and pray to be able to forgive others. We ask God for his mercy not just for ourselves but also for those who have hurt us. Who do you need to pray for? It’s hard to stay mad at someone you are actively praying for.
“And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.” We ask God to prevent us from being tempted to do the wrong thing. We pray for protection from things that would harm us. What do you need God to protect you from today? Who else needs God’s protection today?
Prayer
Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one. For yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.Related Resources
Ron VandenBurg
Senior Producer of Children’s Ministry at ReFrame Ministries
Ron VandenBurg joined the ReFrame Ministries team in 2014. He plans and develops projects specifically for the spiritual formation of children. Before coming to ReFrame, Ron taught middle-school for 27 years. Ron completed a M. Ed. degree in Teaching, Learning and Development at Brock University. Ron and Rachel have three fantastic adult children and one grandchild and reside in Ontario.