Matthew 6:9- “When you pray say, ‘Our Father.’”
If there’s ever been a time needing the powerful prayers of the people of God—this is it! Jesus clearly taught us how to pray. We’ve come to call His model prayer “The Lord’s Prayer.” But it’s actually our prayer. It’s how we pray effectively.
From the start of this prayer, Jesus teaches us to pray with the awe and intimacy of much-loved children.
The very first words we say are, “Our Father!” We connect with God as children who fully belong to Him. We’re no longer orphans! We’re fully adopted daughters and sons!
Jesus said, “I will not leave you as orphans!” (John 14:18). Orphans strive to be noticed. Orphans perform to feel accepted. Orphans exist in despair, constantly competing for a perceived “limited supply of love.” It’s why the Pharisees boasted in their prayers. It’s also why others flooded their prayers with hopeless babbling (Matthew 6:5). Both flow from an orphaned heart.
There’s a vast difference between praying as an orphan and praying as His child:
Orphan Son/Daughter
Beg Declare
“Pray hard” Pray believing
Many words Focused, faith-filled words
Reactive Proactive
Talk about the problem Talk to the problem
Fear-based & devil-focused Faith-based & God-focused
Mostly asking Mostly thanking
Uncomfortable with silence Values soaking & listening
Burdened Joyful
Anticipates spiritual attacks Expects protection & breakthroughs
Today, as you pray, connect with your Father as His much-loved child! Connect with Him as our Father—for we all share equally in the same quantity and quality of His love!
Pastor Dave Hess
FB: Hope Beyond Reason
IG: hopebeyondreason
Christ Community Church 