Question:
What does Jesus say about prayer?
Answer:
Matthew 6:5-13 says, “And when thou prayest, thou shalt not be as the hypocrites are: for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets, that they may be seen of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward. But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly. But when ye pray, use not vain repetitions, as the heathen do: for they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking. Be not ye therefore like unto them: for your Father knoweth what things ye have need of, before ye ask him After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.”
This tells us that we are: to pray to the Father; to pray reverently (not, “Hey God, this is me! How are ya doin today?”); to look and pray for the Lord’s return; to pray that people would do God’s will; to pray that God would meet our daily needs; to pray that God would forgive us, and that we would forgive others; to pray that God would keep us from temptation; and to pray and acknowledge that to God belongs all power. Prayer is not to be a show for the benefit of others, but to be sincere because of our great need. Prayer is not to be a vain repetition of words every day, but to be sincere and heartfelt. Jesus also said to pray in His name. John 14:13,14 says, “And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If ye shall ask any thing in my name, I will do it.”
Prayer is only possible on our part, because of the sacrifice of the Lord Jesus Christ for our sins. Hebrews 4:14-16 says, “Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession. For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.”
Have you repented of your sin, and asked the Lord Jesus Christ to save you?