The disciples desperately wanted instructions on how to pray with conviction, hope, and boldness – like Jesus.  They looked within themselves but couldn’t find the answers they needed, so they urgently asked Jesus, “Teach us, Lord, how to pray.”  In calmness and loving patience, Jesus begins to instruct them.

He said to them, “When you pray, say: “‘Father, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come. Give us each day our daily bread. Forgive us our sins, for we also forgive everyone who sins against us. And lead us not into temptation.” Luke 11:2-4 (NIV)

In this passage, Jesus gave the disciples a model or pattern to follow.  He wasn’t revealing magical words that will somehow fix everything.  He wanted to educate them on how to properly align their prayers with God’s word – the perfect instruction manual for life.  This prayer pattern is a proven model not only for the disciples but also for all believers.

This is how we are instructed to pray:

(1) When you pray begin with a desire to honor God – to praise His powerful name and know that He is your loving Father.

(2) Pray that evil will be removed and God’s blessed promise of a new heaven and earth will come quickly.

(3) Pray for your personal needs – both physically and spiritually – to be met by God, believing He is concerned about you personally.

(4) Daily confess your sins and ask for forgiveness.  Refrain from making yourself greater than God by withholding forgiveness from others.  And

(5) When you go through your many trials, pray for spiritual protection to not sin and stay faithful to God.

Journal Question:  Are you following Jesus prayer instructions today?

Hope Action:  Spend time with God in prayer today.