Lord, Teach Us to Pray

Many today do not properly understand what prayer is and how they ought to pray. Answers can be found in the words of our Lord.

Jesus taught His disciples how to pray on at least two occasions. These are recorded in Matthew 6 and Luke 11. Prayer is an important part of maintaining a good relationship with God. Just as God communicates with us through the teachings of His Word (Hebrews 1:1-2), we communicate with Him through our prayers (Philippeans 4:6). Yet, there are many today who do not properly understand what prayer is and how they ought to pray, so they do not pray as they ought (James 4:3). These people have questions, which deserve answers – and these answers can be found in the words of our Lord.

First, there is the question, “To whom should our prayers be addressed?” Some people pray to God, others to Jesus, others to Mary, or some other dead “saint,” while others pray to the spirits of departed loved ones. Are all of these Scriptural addressees of our prayers? What did Jesus say about this matter?

In Matthew 6:9, Jesus said, “After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven…” In Luke 11:2, Jesus said, “When ye pray, say, Our Father which art in heaven…” The Lord taught His disciples to pray to God, the Father. Our prayers should not be directed to anyone else. This, however, does not mean that Christ and the Holy Spirit have nothing to do with our prayers. Jesus instructed His disciples to pray to the Father, in His name (John 16:23). The Holy Spirit plays a role in our prayers, in that He “helpeth our infirmities” (Romans 8:26). Also, it must be noted that Jesus taught His disciples to keep the Father’s name “hallowed,” or “sacred” (Matthew 6:9). One way that we might do that today is to address God using the pronouns, “thee, thou, thine, etc.,” which are reserved in our language for references to deity.

Next, there is the question, “What should I include in my prayers?” In His “model prayers,” Jesus taught His disciples to include praise for God in their prayers (Matthew 6; Luke 11). He taught them to be submissive to God’s will, in their prayers, and to ask God for daily blessings. He taught them to pray, not only for themselves, but especially for others. Throughout the New Testament, Christians are encouraged to pray for all kinds of people: for enemies (Matthew 5:44), for friends (James 5:16), for the sick (James 5;14), for the authorities (1 Timothy 2:1-2), etc. Jesus taught His disciples to include the giving of thanks in their prayers. In fact, the concepts of prayer and thanksgiving are mentioned together many times, in the New Testament (Philippeans 4:6; Colossians 4:2). He taught them, most importantly, to pray for forgiveness for their sins and for the sins of others, as well. Christ warned His disciples that, if they refused to extend forgiveness to others, they would not be forgiven for their own sins (Matthew 6:14-15). All of these things ought to be found commonly in our daily prayers – although it is not necessary that every one of these be included in every one of our prayers.

Then, there is question, “How often should I pray?” The Bible does not specify a precise number of times per day that a Christian should pray. 1 Thessalonians 5:17 reads, “Pray without ceasing.” In essence, it means that every Christian should pray to God as often as he can. Many Christians pray every morning, as they are preparing to take on a new day. Most Christians pray before every meal, to thank God for His providence. Most Christians pray when they go to bed at night, as they reflect upon the events of the waning day. In between these occasions, there are countless opportunities for Christians to speak to their Father, in prayer. God wants us to make good use of every one of them. How many times per day to you pray? Did you know that the typical Muslim prays five times every single day? As Christians, we serve a God who is much more deserving of our time and attention.

Once, I was asked this question: “Why does God want us to pray to Him? Doesn’t He know what we need without our having to ask Him?” Of course, God knows us better than we know ourselves (Luke 12:7). It is His love for us, which prompts Him to solicit our prayers (John 3:16). Just as a parent longs to hear the voices of his children, God longs to hear from us. He may not need us in the same way that we need Him, but He wants our love and our fellowship – given of our own free will (Romans 6:16-18). He is our Father and we are His children. It really is just as simple as that!

It is my sincere hope and fervent prayer that no Christian will ever let the blessed rite of prayer go unused. It is truly a shame when Christians neglect to pray. James 5:16 points out that “The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.” Prayer can make a big difference in the lives of individuals and in the world at large. Make a difference in your life and in the lives of those around you. “Rejoice evermore. Pray without ceasing” (1 Thessalonians 5:16-17).