Lord, Teach Us to Pray

There are five acts of worship that we see clearly practiced by the early church: singing, prayer, teaching, communion, and giving. We observe all five each time we assemble on the Lord’s Day. But today, I want to focus on one of them specifically—prayer.

It has been said that the greatest tragedy in worship is not the unanswered prayer, but the unprayed one. And yet, many Christians struggle deeply when it comes to this vital act of worship. Not because they don’t believe in prayer, but because they aren’t always sure how to do it.

Jesus’ disciples understood this. In Luke 11:1, one of them came to Him and said, “Lord, teach us to pray, as John also taught his disciples.” That’s a humble request. They didn’t say, “Lord, teach us a prayer.” They weren’t asking for a script or a chant. They wanted to know how to commune with God.

Jesus responded to that request with what many call “The Lord’s Prayer.” It’s recorded in Matthew 6:9–13 and again in Luke 11:2–4. Most of us have memorized it at some point in our lives. Many denominations around the world recite it weekly, if not daily, as if it were the only proper way to pray. But is that what Jesus intended?

He gave this model prayer right after saying in Matthew 6:7, “When you pray, do not use vain repetitions as the heathen do. For they think that they will be heard for their many words.” If Jesus wanted us to recite these words verbatim every time we pray, He would not have warned us—just one verse earlier—not to engage in empty, repetitive prayers.

What Jesus gave us in Matthew 6 is not a mantra to be memorized and repeated. It is a model—a template for what our prayers should look like when they come from the heart.

We find no example in Acts or the epistles of the early church repeating this prayer word-for-word. What we do find is prayer modeled after it—prayer that includes worship, submission, trust, confession, forgiveness, and dependence.

Let’s walk through the model prayer together. Let’s not just look at the words—we already know those. Let’s look at the meaning.

Jesus begins: “Our Father in heaven, hallowed be Your name.” (Matthew 6:9)

Prayer begins with a relationship. We’re speaking to our Father. Not a distant god. Not an impersonal force. But a personal, loving, attentive Father in heaven. He hears. He cares. And yes—He answers.

Jesus continues, “Hallowed be Your name.” God already knows He is holy. But when we declare it in prayer, we are acknowledging His majesty, His worthiness, and His authority. Jesus said in Matthew 22:37 that the greatest commandment is to “love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.” That’s where prayer begins—with reverent love and praise for a holy God.

Next, Jesus says: “Your kingdom come. Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.” (Matthew 6:10)

Here we learn that prayer is not about imposing our will on God—it’s about submitting ourselves to His will. Jesus Himself lived this principle. In the garden of Gethsemane, overwhelmed with sorrow, He still prayed, “Not My will, but Yours be done.” When we pray, we ask God to bring about His purposes in our lives, even when they don’t match our plans.

Then comes the request: “Give us this day our daily bread.” (Matthew 6:11)

This can be understood in two ways, both supported by scripture. First, as a request for physical provision—the food and resources we need to survive. Jesus said in Matthew 6:31–33, “Do not worry… seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.” God provides for those who seek Him.

But second, this may also point us to the spiritual bread—Jesus Himself. He said in John 6:35, “I am the bread of life. He who comes to Me shall never hunger.” We should pray daily for spiritual nourishment—salvation, strength, and understanding that comes only through Christ.

Jesus goes on: “And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.” (Matthew 6:12)

This part of the prayer is explained immediately in verses 14–15: “If you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men… neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.” That’s powerful. If we want God to forgive us, we must be people of mercy. We must forgive others—sincerely and fully.

Next Jesus says: “And do not lead us into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.” (Matthew 6:13)

God does not tempt anyone—James 1:13 says, “God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does He Himself tempt anyone.” This is a prayer for guidance and protection—asking God to help us avoid temptation and to give us the strength to endure when it comes. 1 Corinthians 10:13 promises, “God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able…” He will always provide a way of escape.

The model prayer closes with praise: “For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.” (Matthew 6:13)

We end where we began—in worship. Everything belongs to God. Every prayer should be wrapped in awe and reverence for His eternal greatness.

Now, you might ask: what’s missing from this prayer? One thing. Jesus didn’t say, “In My name, Amen.” Why? Because He was the one speaking it. He didn’t need to go through Himself. But we do.

John 14:6 tells us, “No one comes to the Father except through Me.” Jesus is our Mediator. Our prayers must be offered to the Father through the Son. That’s why we pray “in Jesus’ name.” Not as a formula, but as a recognition that we approach God through Christ.

From this model prayer, I learn so much. It teaches me that prayer:

• Brings me close to God as my Father

• Requires an attitude of worship and reverence

• Must be offered with faith that God will answer

• Should reflect a willingness to accept His answer

• Includes thanksgiving for salvation through Christ

• Involves confession, forgiveness, and a spirit of mercy

• Requests help in trials and strength against temptation

• Ends with glory to God

• And must be sent to the Father through the Son

So how often should we pray?

Two answers—both biblical and both necessary.

First, we should pray always. 1 Thessalonians 5:17 says, “Pray without ceasing.” In victories, defeats, joy, and sorrow—we speak to God constantly.

But second, we should set aside time for dedicated, intimate prayer. Luke 5:16 tells us, “So He Himself often withdrew into the wilderness and prayed.” Even Jesus made time for focused, private prayer. And so must we.

Why both? Because prayer isn’t just communication—it’s relationship. And relationships need constant connection and intimate moments. In John 17:22–23, Jesus prayed that we would be one with Him and with the Father. That is intimacy. That is the kind of relationship He desires.

Prayer is not a ritual. It’s not a performance. It’s not a box to check. Prayer is how I talk to my Creator. How I confess my sin. How I thank Him for grace. How I draw close to my Savior. How I praise the God who listens. And how I pour out my soul before the throne of heaven.

So I ask you—are you choosing to pray?

Because God is waiting.

And if you need prayers today, or you’re ready to become a Christian through faith, repentance, confession, and baptism—come. As we sing, don’t delay. God is listening.

OUTLINE:

Sermon Title: Lord, Teach Us to Pray

Text: Matthew 6:5–14; Luke 11:1–4
Theme: Jesus gave us a model—not a script—for prayer. Our prayers must come from the heart, with reverence, faith, humility, and submission.

I. Prayer Is a Chosen Act of Worship

• One of the five acts of worship: prayer, singing, teaching, communion, giving

• James 4:2 – “You do not have because you do not ask.”

• Luke 11:1 – “Lord, teach us to pray…”

• Not “teach us a prayer”—but how to pray

• Jesus warns against vain repetitions (Matthew 6:7)

II. The Lord’s Prayer Is a Model, Not a Mantra

• Found only in Matthew 6 and Luke 11

• No record of it being recited by the early church

• Jesus gave it after telling them not to repeat empty words

• It provides structure—not a script—for heartfelt prayer

III. What the Model Prayer Teaches Us

1. Address God as Father

• “Our Father in heaven…”

• Emphasizes relationship and reverence (Matthew 6:9)

• Matthew 7:9–11 – God gives good gifts to His children

2. Begin with Worship

• “Hallowed be Your name”

• We don’t inform God of His holiness—we acknowledge it

• Matthew 22:37 – “Love the Lord your God…”

• Prayer begins with adoration

3. Submit to God’s Will

• “Your kingdom come, Your will be done…”

• Not our will—but God’s

• Even Jesus prayed “Not My will, but Yours…”

4. Depend on God’s Provision

• “Give us this day our daily bread”

• Physical provision – Matthew 6:31–34

• Spiritual provision – John 6:35; Mark 8:36

5. Ask for Forgiveness and Extend It

• “Forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors”

• Matthew 6:14–15 – Our forgiveness hinges on our willingness to forgive

6. Seek Help Against Temptation

• “Lead us not into temptation…”

• God does not tempt (James 1:13)

• 1 Corinthians 10:13 – God provides an escape from every temptation

• 1 John 1:5 – “In Him is no darkness at all”

7. End with Praise

• “For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever”

• Everything belongs to God

• Begin and end prayer in reverence

IV. What’s Missing from the Model Prayer?

• No “In Jesus’ name”—because Jesus prayed it directly

• We must go to the Father through the Son (John 14:6)

• Jesus is our mediator (1 Timothy 2:5)

• Our prayers must be offered in His name (Colossians 3:17)

V. When Should We Pray?

1. Pray Always

• 1 Thessalonians 5:17 – “Pray without ceasing”

• In joy and sorrow, in victory and defeat

2. Set Aside Dedicated Time

• Luke 5:16 – Jesus withdrew to pray

• Even in busyness, Jesus made time

• Deep, intimate prayer cannot happen in the noise

• John 17:22–23 – Jesus prayed for deep, intimate unity with us

VI. What Prayer Does for Us

• Draws us near to God (James 4:8)

• Strengthens our faith

• Calms our fears (Philippians 4:6–7)

• Connects us to our Savior

• Teaches us dependence

• Helps us to forgive

• Fills us with peace and joy (John 16:24)

Call to Action:

If Jesus needed prayer—how much more do we?

Christians:

• Have you been praying with faith, reverence, and purpose?

• Have you set aside personal time to be alone with God?

• Have you prayed through Christ, seeking His will above your own?

If not—today is the day to start. Return to the pattern Jesus gave. Not with rote words, but with a heart that seeks the face of God.

Non-Christians:

• Are you ready to come into a relationship with the Father—through the Son?

• Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life (John 14:6)

• Come to Him in faith (John 8:24)

• Repent of sin (Acts 17:30)

• Confess Christ (Romans 10:9–10)

• Be baptized for the remission of sins (Acts 2:38)

If you have a need—whether to begin your walk with Christ or to return to a faithful prayer life—come forward as we stand and sing.

Sermon prepared by Scott Perkins