How to Pray
January 21, 2025
“This then is how you should pray: Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name.”
Matthew 6:7-9 (NIV)
Have you ever walked into a brand-new subdivision to see a model home? You walk through and experience what a typical home looks and feels like. You see the structure of a home and then you can decide to make it your own.
Similarly, Jesus offers a model prayer in Matthew chapter six. Jesus doesn’t tell you what to pray. He tells you how you should pray. Jesus gives you a pattern and the key to all prayer.
“Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name.”
God has many different names in the Bible. He is called “God Almighty,” “the Lord,” and “Provider.” He is called “The Lord Who is There, “The Lord Who Sees” and “The Lord our Righteousness.” Every name reveals who God is and what He is like.
And Jesus teaches you, in prayer, to begin by “hallowing” God’s name. What does that mean? The word “hallow” means to “treat as holy or set apart.” When you praise God for His unparalleled character, you honor His name.
Before you pray anything else, begin your prayer with worship. Thank Him for being your provider. Take a moment to praise Him for always hearing you. Thank God for being the God who sees your every moment and sustains you.
Giving your full worship to God in prayer first is a key that unlocks the door to real, effective prayer. Real prayer begins by exalting God. That’s why Jesus taught you to praise Him first–before sharing all of your needs and wants.
Start with worship, and watch how it lifts your eyes from your own needs to the greatness of God. You will be freed up to hear God’s voice, accepting His heart and will.
How do you get into prayer? Where do you start? Enter God’s presence by praising and thanking the One you are talking to. “This, then, is how you should pray: ‘Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name.’”
Prayer: Dear Heavenly Father, Thank You for being my God. I praise You for Your everlasting, steadfast love! Thank You for Your daily provision and new mercy! Thank You for all You give, for the truthfulness of Your Word and Your power. I praise the only God and cannot thank you enough that You are my God and Father. Help me always start my prayer with praise. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.