Read: Matthew 6:5-15
Pray then like this . . . (v. 9)
During the pandemic, people prayed regularly—for quick healing and relief, turning everything over to God. It’s always good to turn to God in prayer and cry out to him for help, but sometimes I heard prayers that seemed like the people praying wanted to direct all problems to God and away from themselves and their own responsibility.
The model for prayer in the Bible is not just prayers for relief from suffering. When Jesus taught his disciples to pray, he included the elements that we should still include in our prayers: praise for God and a commitment to his kingdom, asking God to provide for our daily needs, for forgiveness, and for protection from evil. Our prayers should include a reflection, return, and renewal—what, how, and when did we go wrong? Have we sinned against God or other people as individuals or as a nation? Do we need to repent and rend our hearts? Try praying this way: “Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting” (Ps. 139:23-24 NIV).
God is kind and compassionate. He will not slumber, nor will he refrain from doing what is right. When we come to him in prayer, we should come ready to honor the relationship he offers to us, and seek his way, returning in submission to the Creator God. Are you praying that way today?
As you pray, ask God to teach you to pray with the right attitude so you can be transformed to follow him.
About the Author
Words of Hope’s South Asia Ministry field leader is based in India and works with more than 70 team members sharing the hope of the gospel in more than 20 languages. Because of security concerns, we have chosen not to share his name.
