APR 14

Matthew 6:5-13
Memorise Matthew 6:9
“After this manner therefore pray ye…”

You can learn to pray by studying the prayer that Jesus taught His disciples in Matthew 6:9-13. It was given by Jesus in response to the queries that the disciples had, in asking Him how they ought to pray. They must have witnessed and observed the wonderful prayer life that Jesus had, and wanted to experience it for themselves. Indeed, who better to learn about prayer from, than from Jesus Christ Himself! Though He is God, yet He often rose early and spent much time in communion with God the Father (Mark 1:35, Matthew 14:23).

The prayer that Jesus teaches His disciples begins by addressing God as “Our Father which art in Heaven” and this is a good way to begin your prayer. Many of our church leaders begin their prayers with “Our most gracious and loving heavenly Father” or “Mighty and eternal God, our loving and merciful heavenly Father”. The Bible also has countless ways of addressing God. In times of need, the Psalmist often cries to God as his “refuge and strength”. Thinking of His second coming, we can also begin by praying, “Our gracious heavenly Father” but add to it “Our soon coming King.”

The important thing is that we must approach God reverently and yet boldly as He is our Father in heaven. Yes, we approach God as a child approaches his father, remembering that He is one who is mighty to answer our prayers for the great love He has for us. He is pleased when we His children address Him as “Our Father”.

When praying, we begin by focusing on God and His wonderful attributes. We come boldly before His throne of grace, knowing that we are accepted in the beloved Son, the Lord Jesus Christ whom we have believed and have trusted. We also approach Him reverently for God is the Creator of heaven and earth and all its fullness thereof. We come humbly as we think of His great love for us when we were yet sinners. Teens, it is wonderful to have an Almighty and loving Father in heaven who listens to our prayers.

Thought: No ones cares for me like my heavenly Father.
Prayer: Lord, teach me and grant me grace to look up to Thee unceasingly, in prayer, to praise, adore and commune with Thee.