Lesson 13 – The Power of Prayer

Matthew 6:5-6

”And when you pray, do not be like the hypocrites, for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the street corners to be seen by others. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full. But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen.  Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you. 

 Prayer - Matthew 6:7-9

”And when you pray, do not keep on babbling like pagans, for they think they will be heard because of their many words. Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him. 

Prayer - Matthew 6:9-13

”This, then, is how you should 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 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.’

In these passages, Jesus teaches his disciples about prayer, emphasizing sincerity, humility, and a proper understanding of prayer's purpose.

In Matthew 6:5-6, Jesus warns against praying in a hypocritical manner, seeking public recognition. He encourages private prayer, where believers can approach God intimately, without seeking the attention or approval of others. Jesus assures that when prayers are offered in secret, with genuine hearts, the unseen Father will reward them.

In Matthew 6:7-9, Jesus cautions against empty and repetitive words in prayer, which resemble the prayers of pagans. He reminds his followers that the Father already knows their needs even before they ask. Jesus encourages his disciples to pray with simplicity, authenticity, and a focus on communing with God rather than relying on the quantity or eloquence of their words.

In Matthew 6:9-13, Jesus provides his disciples with a model prayer, often referred to as the Lord's Prayer. It serves as a guide for approaching God, acknowledging His holiness, submitting to His will, seeking provision, seeking forgiveness, and asking for guidance and protection from temptation and evil.

The underlying message is that prayer is a personal and authentic connection with God, where believers can express their hearts' desires, seek His will, and experience a relationship with the Father who knows and cares for them. It emphasizes the importance of humility, sincerity, and a focus on God's glory and purposes in prayer.

However, the overall message underscores the significance of prayer as a vital aspect of one's relationship with God, rooted in genuine communication and trust.