Basics As Jesus Stated Them

The key to a satisfying prayer life is to have a personal relationship with God. Only then can we honestly say “Our Father in Heaven” as Jesus did.

This is how you should pray: Our Father in heaven let Your name be kept holy. Let Your kingdom come. Let Your will be done on earth as it is done in heaven. Give us our daily bread today. Forgive us as we forgive others. Don’t allow us to be tempted. Instead, rescue us from the evil one (Matthew 6:9-13).

One bible commentator puts forward this concept of basic prayer: Jesus’ model prayer includes three key elements. (1) It is based on a personal relationship. (2) It centers around God’s glory and kingdom and an overwhelming desire for His will to be done. (3) It includes petitions and requests, especially for daily needs, forgiveness, and protection from temptation and evil. Note Jesus specifically comments on the aspect of forgiveness at the conclusion of the prayer.

If you forgive the failures of others, your Heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you don’t forgive others, your Father will not forgive your failures. (Matthew 6:14-15)

If we can learn biblical ideas and practices of prayer, we can take better advantage of the powerful privilege we have of going to God anytime about anything. May our study boost our prayer lives and increase our intimacy with Him.