Prayer doesn’t have to be complicated. Jesus taught three simple, powerful ways to pray: do it in private, be sincere, and use the Lord’s Prayer as a pattern. These aren’t religious rituals—they’re invitations to connect with God honestly and personally. Whether you’re new to prayer or just want to grow deeper, these principles will help you focus on what really matters: your relationship with God.
You don’t need perfect words or long prayers to be heard. What God wants is your heart, your honesty, and your attention. When you follow Jesus’ model, prayer becomes less of a duty and more of a lifeline. Keep reading to break down each way Jesus taught us to pray—and learn how to make them part of your everyday life.
When Jesus taught about prayer, He didn’t just offer a formula—He showed us how to connect directly with God. If you’ve ever wondered how to pray the way Jesus taught, you’re in the right place.
There are three key ways Jesus modeled and taught us to pray:
- Pray in private
- Pray with sincerity
- Pray with a pattern (The Lord’s Prayer)
Each of these ways focuses on your relationship with God—not performance, tradition, or ritual. Let’s break them down.
1. Pray in Private
Jesus made it clear that prayer isn’t for show. In Matthew 6:5-6, He says:
“And when you pray, do not be like the hypocrites, for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the street corners to be seen by others. … But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen.”
Why it matters:
Jesus is pointing to your motive. Are you praying to be seen by people or to connect with God? God wants your full attention—and He doesn’t need an audience to hear you.
What this looks like today:
- Find a quiet place with no distractions
- Shut off your phone
- Talk to God like He’s really there—because He is
This kind of private, focused prayer builds intimacy with God. You’re not performing. You’re having a real conversation with your Creator.
2. Pray with Sincerity
Jesus wasn’t impressed by wordy or repetitive prayers. In Matthew 6:7, He says:
“And when you pray, do not keep on babbling like pagans, for they think they will be heard because of their many words.”
Key point:
You don’t need fancy language or long-winded speeches. God already knows what you need (Matthew 6:8), so just be honest.
What does sincere prayer sound like?
- “God, I’m scared right now. Please help me.”
- “I don’t know what to do—show me.”
- “Thank You for being with me, even when I mess up.”
You’re not graded on how your prayer sounds. What matters is your heart. Speak honestly, even if your words are simple or messy.
3. Pray with a Pattern (The Lord’s Prayer)
Right after teaching about sincerity, Jesus gives us a model prayer—the one many know as The Lord’s Prayer (Matthew 6:9–13). It’s not just a prayer to recite; it’s a framework for how to pray.
“This, then, is how you should pray:
Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name,
your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us today our daily bread.
And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors.
And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.”
Let’s unpack this.
1. Start with worship
“Our Father in heaven, hallowed be Your name”
Recognize who God is. He’s holy, powerful, and personal. When you start your prayer, remind yourself that you’re speaking to a good Father.
2. Submit to His will
“Your kingdom come, Your will be done…”
Prayer isn’t about getting your way—it’s about aligning with God’s way. Ask Him to help you trust His plan, even when it’s hard.
3. Ask for what you need today
“Give us today our daily bread”
Jesus tells us to ask for what we need daily, not just big things. That includes food, strength, wisdom—whatever today requires.
4. Ask for forgiveness and give it
“Forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven…”
Confession is part of a healthy prayer life. So is forgiving others. Jesus connects the two for a reason—they both free your heart.
5. Ask for spiritual protection
“Lead us not into temptation…”
Life is a battle. Jesus tells you to pray for protection from the traps, temptations, and lies of the enemy.
This prayer covers everything:
- God’s greatness
- His will
- Your needs
- Your relationships
- Your spiritual health
It’s short. It’s direct. And it hits every core part of a healthy prayer life.
Bonus: Jesus Practiced What He Preached
Jesus didn’t just teach prayer—He lived it.
Here are a few examples:
- He prayed alone: “Very early in the morning… Jesus went off to a solitary place, where he prayed.” (Mark 1:35)
- He prayed before big decisions: Before choosing the 12 disciples, “He spent the night praying to God.” (Luke 6:12)
- He prayed for others: In John 17, Jesus prays for His followers—both then and now.
- He prayed in pain: In the garden of Gethsemane, Jesus prays, “Not my will, but yours be done.” (Luke 22:42)
His example shows us this: Prayer is how we stay connected to God, in every season.
Final Thoughts: So How Should You Pray?
Let’s simplify it:
- Go somewhere quiet
- Speak honestly
- Use the Lord’s Prayer as a guide
Don’t stress about saying it “right.” Don’t worry if it feels awkward at first. Prayer is like a muscle—it grows stronger the more you use it.
And remember: You’re talking to a Father who loves you.
“The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.” (James 5:16)
So start today. Even if it’s just a few words. God’s listening.
Quick Recap: The 3 Ways to Pray According to Jesus
| Way of Prayer | What It Means | Bible Reference |
| Pray in Private | Go alone, remove distractions | Matthew 6:5–6 |
| Pray with Sincerity | Be real, not repetitive | Matthew 6:7–8 |
| Pray with a Pattern | Use the Lord’s Prayer as a framework | Matthew 6:9–13 |
🙋♀️ Frequently Asked Questions
1. What are the three ways Jesus taught us to pray?
Jesus taught us to pray:
- In private – away from distractions (Matthew 6:5–6)
- With sincerity – not with empty or repetitive words (Matthew 6:7–8)
- Using a pattern – the Lord’s Prayer as a model (Matthew 6:9–13)
2. Why did Jesus tell us to pray in secret?
Because prayer is about connection with God, not impressing others. When you’re alone, it’s easier to be honest and focused (Matthew 6:6).
3. What does “do not keep babbling like pagans” mean?
It means you don’t need long, repetitive prayers to get God’s attention. He values honest, straightforward communication (Matthew 6:7).
4. Do I have to say the Lord’s Prayer word-for-word?
No. Jesus gave it as a template, not a script. You can say it exactly or use it to guide your own words.
5. Can I pray silently or in my head?
Yes. God hears your thoughts just as clearly as your spoken words (Psalm 139:2). Silent prayer is still real prayer.
6. What should I say when I pray?
Be honest. Thank God, ask for help, confess sins, and pray for others. You don’t need special words—just speak from the heart.
7. Do I need to kneel or fold my hands to pray?
Not necessarily. Posture can help you focus, but it’s not required. Jesus prayed standing, kneeling, lying face down—what matters most is your heart.
8. How long should I pray each day?
There’s no set time. Start small—maybe 5–10 minutes—and build from there. The goal is consistent connection, not a stopwatch.
9. What does “your will be done” mean in the Lord’s Prayer?
It means surrendering your plans to God’s. You’re asking for His guidance, even if it’s different from what you expected.
10. Why does Jesus include forgiveness in the prayer?
Because forgiving others and being forgiven are deeply connected. If you hold onto bitterness, it blocks your relationship with God (Matthew 6:14–15).
