The Lord’s Prayer

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“Learning to Pray as Jesus Taught” – Matthew 6:7-15

Dear Friends, in Matthew 6 the Lord Jesus gives clear teaching on prayer. He warns against the empty, repetitive prayers of the Gentiles who “think that they will be heard for their many words” (v.7). Prayer is not about impressive language or quantity of words — it is about genuine communion with our Heavenly Father.

Jesus then gives us the perfect model — what we call The Lord’s 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 this day 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 evil.” (Matthew 6:9-13 ESV)

This short prayer covers everything essential: the glory of God, the coming of His kingdom, our daily needs, forgiveness, and protection from sin. Jesus emphasises that our willingness to forgive others is directly connected to receiving God’s forgiveness (vv.14-15).

True prayer is not complicated or showy. It is the honest cry of a child to a loving Father who already knows our needs.


Pause & Pray: Take time right now to pray the Lord’s Prayer slowly and thoughtfully. Let each phrase sink in. Ask the Holy Spirit to help you pray with sincerity rather than empty words. If there is anyone you need to forgive, bring that to the Lord now and ask for grace to release them.

Verse to Remember: “And when you pray, do not heap up empty phrases as the Gentiles do… for your Father knows what you need before you ask him.” (Matthew 6:7-8 ESV)

Question to Consider: Do your prayers sometimes become routine or repetitive without real heart engagement? How might praying the Lord’s Prayer regularly help deepen your relationship with your Heavenly Father this week?

Article written by Shaun Fereday, Leader @SFGH Church

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