The Simple Pattern of Prayer

“When you pray, go to your room and close the door. Pray privately to your Father who is with you. Your Father sees what you do in private. He will reward you. When you pray, don’t ramble like heathens who think they’ll be heard if they talk a lot. Don’t be like them. Your Father knows what you need before you ask him. This is how you should pray…”
Matthew 6:6-9

Keep it simple.

In the time of Christ, the religious imposters thought God listened to them more closely when their prayers were lengthy and loud. They stood while praying in the temple and lifted their hands on the city streets. They prattled along with words devoid of emotion or personal accountability. Jesus said, “Don’t do that.” Instead, “Pray like this.”

The Lord taught his disciples a simple pattern of prayer. They should glorify God and proclaim his purity. They ask him to establish his kingdom in their lives and throughout the world. They rely on him to meet their every need. They offer forgiveness to any who have sinned against them—the same mercy God has given them. They beg not to be enticed by evil.

God’s word doesn’t say if you should or shouldn’t repeat the Lord’s Prayer word-for-word; God intends that your daily conversations with him be fresh, not drift into an empty replay. Leave your sentiments behind and dismiss all the big ten-dollar words you’ve heard. Through the Holy Spirit, allow your prayers to become what Jesus described—respectful, dependent, gracious, holy, and simple.

Inspired by Matthew 6:5-15

» SHOP FOR A BIBLE NOW «