Main Scripture Reference - Matthew 6:9-15
Other Scripture References: Luke 11:1-4; Luke 9:6; Luke 7:36-50; John 20:21-23

INTRO–‘What Do I Say In Prayer?’Read Luke 11:1-4

Every created being has the desire to communicate with God their creator. The problem is not the want to but the how to, “what words do I use?” The issue of prayer however is not about proper words or formal settings like most people think, prayer is more of a matter of the heart. The disciples soon realized that Jesus had a special relationship with God and that prayer was integrated throughout his busy daily schedule in a very personal way. And this is why they ask him to teach them how to pray.

• You were created to commune with God. How strong is your desire right now to spend quality time in the presence of God?


• When you attempt to pray do you struggle with what words to say or how to say them? How much of this struggle keeps you from praying regularly or often?

PICTURE #1 –‘Father’Read Matthew 6:9

When Jesus begins to teach how to pray the most important word he uses is the word father. What Jesus wants you to know is that the most important thing about prayer is whose you are rather than what you might say. You have a loving, committed, and totally dedicated Father in heaven who hears your ever word and will always be there even before you call. This picture of whose you are doesn’t stop with God however. Because you are a child of God, you are royalty, a child of the King, and an ambassador of Christ and you have a responsibility to live into the family name. The more you ‘hang out” out with God, the more you will begin to apply God’s holy characteristics into your life, determining to be a “chip off the old block.”

• Jesus tells us to call God daddy. How would you describe your current picture of God? How can approaching God as a loving Father help you pray more often and more intimately?


• As a 'chip off the old block,' how are you applying yourself to be more like God and imitate God’s character? Which characteristic of God needs more work?

PICTURE #2 –‘Freedom’Read Matthew 6:10-11 & Luke 9:6

The second picture of prayer that Jesus wants you to see is the picture of freedom. In praying for God’s kingdom you are acknowledging that you are here for a reason and that God wants to make your life count. You are an agent of God’s purposes on the earth to bring good news and healing to people everywhere which brings true meaning to life. But not only are you free from a meaningless life, Jesus give you freedom from worrying about daily provisions. No longer do you need to worry about your basic needs because God will take care of everything you need and more.

• As God’s child you have been freed to make your life count. How are you fulfilling that calling?


• God promises to meet your needs. What is worrying you right now that you need to let go into God’s hand of abundant provision and love?

PICTURE #3 –‘Forgiveness’Read Matthew 6:12-15; Luke 7:36-50 & John 20:21-23

Finally Jesus offers you a picture of forgiveness that extends beyond God’s forgiveness and into forgiving others and yourself. Your righteousness was freely given you by Christ, it wasn’t earned. And in the same way you need to freely extend this forgiveness to others and even forgive yourself which at times is very hard to do. In coming to God in prayer, picture a safe and forgiving place and your intimacy with God will grow.

• Even though Jesus has forgiven you, have you forgiven yourself of things you have done? How hard is it for you to forgive yourself for the wrongs you have committed?


• Because you have been freely forgiven, who do you now need to freely forgive? How will you do it?


• From this sermon, what is the most significant picture of prayer that will help you in your prayer life? How will you put that into practice?