Praying like Jesus

And when you pray, you are not to be like the hypocrites; for they love to stand and pray in the synagogues and on the street corners so that they will be seen by people. Truly I say to you, they have their reward in full. 6 But as for you, when you pray, go into your inner room, close your door, and pray to your Father who is in secret; and your Father who sees what is done in secret will reward you. 7 “And when you are praying, do not use thoughtless repetition as the Gentiles do, for they think that they will be heard because of their many words. 8 So do not be like them; for your Father knows what you need before you ask Him." - Jesus Christ (Matthew 6:5-8)

I've noticed a lot on social media that people set up a camera to record themselves spending time with God and praying to Him. There is a difference between someone saying a prayer out loud for whoever is watching or listening versus recording yourself in your secret place with God. I'm mentioning this because being in your secret place with God should be private and intimate, as Jesus said in the above verse. If you're reading this and have recorded yourself spending time with God in your secret place, please do not take offense to this, but look to Jesus and what He says about doing things in private.

For those who are new to the faith (new believers or young babes in Christ), the secret place (as mentioned in the New King James Version), aka the inner room that Jesus describes, is a place where you and God meet privately. This could be the side of your bed, a prayer closet, or a corner in your room. Find a place that is only for you and God. I read once that a mother had designated the end of her couch to be where she and God met. That was her secret place. Her daughter wrote of the times she and her siblings knew not to go to the end of the couch because her mother told her children that that section was not meant to be played or sat on. The secret place is meant to be reverenced, private, and protected because that is where you and God meet in prayer.

When Jesus says, "Close your door," He's saying to get to a distracting-free zone where you're alone and not showing off to others. Corporate prayer or praying with others is different, but when it's just you and God, no one else needs to be involved (especially not a camera 😅). This is why the secret place is so important. You want to be able to spend quality time with the Father without distractions, if possible, and to be sincere in your heart when you pray.

Jesus gave us a great example of how to pray to the Father. Prayer is simply communication with God. When you pray, you worship, you talk to God honestly, you intercede, and you can even laugh while praying. I know I do because Jesus is actually funny! In Matthew 6:9-13, Jesus teaches His disciples how to pray and is called The Lord's Prayer. So, let’s break down how to pray like Jesus.

v.9 - Our Father in Heaven, hallowed be Your name.

Step 1: Before asking God for anything, praise Him and revere who He is.

v.10-11 - Your kingdom come, Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread.

Step 2: Ask God to have His way today and that you depend on Him and His provisions. Let His will be done as you surrender your will.

v.12 - And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.

Step 3: Ask God for forgiveness for anything that displeased Him (thoughts, words, actions). And ask Him to help you forgive others.

v.13 - And do not lead us into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.

Step 4: Ask God for protection for the day. Pray that His angels be around you throughout the day, and ask the Holy Spirit to help you resist the enemy's attacks that will try to get you off.

v.13 - For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.

Step 5: End your prayer with worship, and in Jesus’ Name, Amen.

You don’t have to “get right” or be “sin-free” to pray. All God wants is your heart. Come to Him humbly and follow Jesus' example of prayer. When you start to pray as Jesus did, the Holy Spirit will lead you further into prayer and what else to pray for. Remember to pray before you start your day and before you end your day.