Jesus offered clear and timeless guidance on how we should pray, laying out three key principles that can transform how we connect with God: pray with sincerity, pray with faith, and pray with forgiveness. First, He taught that prayer should be genuine and private—not a performance for others, but a heartfelt conversation with God. Second, He emphasized the necessity of faith—believing that God hears us, trusting His will even in difficult times, and remaining persistent in our prayers. Third, Jesus linked effective prayer to a forgiving heart, reminding us to release grudges and pursue reconciliation before coming to God.
These teachings are more than religious advice—they are practical tools for building a deeper, more authentic prayer life. When we align our prayers with sincerity, faith, and forgiveness, we open ourselves up to a richer spiritual experience and a closer relationship with God. Keep reading to explore how you can apply these principles daily and experience the power of prayer the way Jesus intended.
Prayer is a fundamental part of a Christian’s life, offering a direct line of communication with God. Jesus, in His teachings, provided clear guidance on how we should approach prayer. Understanding these instructions can transform your prayer life, making it more meaningful and effective. Let’s dive into the three key things Jesus encouraged us to do when we pray.
1. Pray with Sincerity
Be Genuine in Your Prayers
Jesus emphasized the importance of sincerity in prayer. In Matthew 6:5-6, He warns against praying for show: “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. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full. But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.”
Jesus wants us to approach prayer with a genuine heart, not for the sake of impressing others. Your prayers should be an intimate conversation with God, where you can be honest and open about your thoughts, fears, and hopes.
Avoid Empty Repetitions
In Matthew 6:7, Jesus advises, “And when you pray, do not keep on babbling like pagans, for they think they will be heard because of their many words.” The point here is not to avoid long prayers but to avoid meaningless repetition. God values quality over quantity. He knows what you need before you ask Him, so it’s more about the depth and sincerity of your prayer than the length or eloquence.
2. Pray with Faith
Believe in God’s Power
Faith is a cornerstone of effective prayer. In Mark 11:24, Jesus says, “Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.” This verse underscores the importance of having faith when you pray. You’re not just speaking into the void; you’re communicating with an all-powerful God who listens and responds.
Trust in God’s Will
Jesus demonstrated this trust in the Garden of Gethsemane. Faced with His impending crucifixion, He prayed, “My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will” (Matthew 26:39). Even in moments of great distress, Jesus submitted to God’s will, showing us that true faith includes trusting God’s plan, even when it’s difficult.
Persist in Prayer
In Luke 18:1-8, Jesus shares the parable of the persistent widow to teach the importance of persistent prayer. The widow’s relentless petitions to the unjust judge eventually led to her receiving justice. Jesus concludes, “Will not God bring about justice for his chosen ones, who cry out to him day and night? Will he keep putting them off?” Persistence in prayer reflects your unwavering faith in God’s timing and wisdom.
3. Pray with Forgiveness
Forgive Others
Forgiveness is a crucial aspect of prayer. In Mark 11:25, Jesus instructs, “And when you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive them, so that your Father in heaven may forgive you your sins.” Holding onto grudges can hinder your prayers. God calls us to forgive others as we seek His forgiveness.
Reflect on God’s Forgiveness
Consider the parable of the unmerciful servant in Matthew 18:21-35. When Peter asked Jesus how many times he should forgive his brother, Jesus replied, “I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times.” He then told a parable about a servant who, after being forgiven a massive debt by his master, refused to forgive a fellow servant a much smaller debt. The master’s response was harsh, reflecting God’s expectation that we extend the same forgiveness we’ve received.
Seek Reconciliation
In Matthew 5:23-24, Jesus says, “Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother or sister has something against you, leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to them; then come and offer your gift.” Reconciliation is vital before approaching God in prayer. It ensures your heart is free from resentment, allowing you to connect more deeply with Him.
Conclusion
Jesus’ teachings on prayer are profound and practical. To summarize, He encourages us to pray with sincerity, ensuring our prayers are genuine and heartfelt. We’re also called to pray with faith, believing in God’s power and trusting in His will. Lastly, we should pray with forgiveness, both seeking and extending it, to maintain a pure heart before God.
By incorporating these principles into your prayer life, you’ll not only align more closely with Jesus’ teachings but also experience a more fulfilling and effective relationship with God. Remember, prayer is not just a ritual; it’s a powerful, transformative dialogue with your Creator. So, next time you pray, be sincere, have faith, and embrace forgiveness.
FAQs On Things Encouraged Us To Do When We Pray
1. Why is sincerity important in prayer?
Sincerity in prayer ensures that your communication with God is genuine and heartfelt. Jesus emphasized praying in private to avoid the temptation of praying for show. When you pray sincerely, you create an intimate and honest dialogue with God.
2. What does Jesus mean by avoiding “empty repetitions” in prayer?
In Matthew 6:7, Jesus advises against meaningless repetition in prayers, often used by pagans who believe they will be heard for their many words. Instead, Jesus encourages thoughtful and sincere prayers, focusing on the quality of your conversation with God rather than its length.
3. How can I strengthen my faith when I pray?
To strengthen your faith in prayer, remind yourself of God’s power and past faithfulness. Trust in His will, even when it’s challenging, and persist in your prayers. Reflect on Mark 11:24, which emphasizes believing that you have received what you ask for in prayer.
4. Why is forgiveness important in prayer?
Forgiveness is essential because holding onto grudges can hinder your prayers. Jesus taught that we should forgive others as we seek God’s forgiveness (Mark 11:25). A heart free from resentment allows for a deeper connection with God.
5. How do I forgive someone who has wronged me before praying?
Forgiving someone involves letting go of anger and resentment towards them. Reflect on the forgiveness God has extended to you and remember Jesus’ teachings on forgiveness. Reconciliation, when possible, is also crucial before approaching God in prayer (Matthew 5:23-24).
6. What should I do if I struggle with persistent prayer?
If you struggle with persistent prayer, remember Jesus’ parable of the persistent widow in Luke 18:1-8. Persistence in prayer demonstrates your unwavering faith in God’s timing and wisdom. Set aside regular times for prayer, and be patient, trusting that God hears and will respond.
7. Can I pray for anything I want?
While you can bring any request to God, it’s important to align your prayers with His will. Jesus modeled this in His prayer in the Garden of Gethsemane (Matthew 26:39), showing that while we can express our desires, we should ultimately trust in God’s plan.
8. How can I make my prayers more effective?
To make your prayers more effective, ensure they are sincere, rooted in faith, and free from unforgiveness. Follow Jesus’ teachings on prayer: be genuine, trust in God’s power and will, and maintain a forgiving heart.
9. What if I don’t see immediate answers to my prayers?
Not seeing immediate answers can be challenging, but it’s important to trust in God’s timing and wisdom. Persist in your prayers, and remember that God’s ways are higher than ours. Sometimes, the answer may come in a different form than expected.
10. How can I teach others about Jesus’ teachings on prayer?
To teach others about Jesus’ teachings on prayer, share the key principles of sincerity, faith, and forgiveness. Use relevant Bible verses and stories to illustrate these points. Encourage others to approach prayer as an intimate and transformative conversation with God.
