Matthew 6:5-15

Prayer ~

Prayer is one of the most important aspects of Christian life.  Basically, you can't be in a relationship if you don't communicate with them.  Or, as I tell my preschoolers, "You're not friends with someone if you talk to them."

Jesus is going to tell us how to pray:

1.  It's a private thing!!  Prayer is not about you looking good in front of others!!  It's you talking to God - even if it's a corporate prayer. (out loud prayer in a group.)

2.  It doesn't need to be repetitive, pleading, or long.  Pagans pray to their false gods by chanting, yelling, or giving long prayers.  Listen, God already knows what you need.  Prayer is about having that conversation with Him.  Asking Him let's Him know that you want His help & are willing to accept His help.

3.  The Lord's prayer - this isn't an exact prayer to be repeated every time you pray.  This is a pattern:  Praise God, acknowledge His authority, ask for what you need, ask for your sins to be forgiven, ask to stay strong in your Christian walk. 

4.  Make sure you aren't asking for what you are unwilling to do yourself.  If you want God to forgive you, you need to forgive others!!  It comes back to treat others the way you want to be treated.

Have you prayed today?  This week?  This month?  Hmmmm . . . take a little time & talk with your Heavenly Father.