Matthew 6:9-13  “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.’”
 
One of the most important parts of our spiritual walk is prayer. In Acts 2 we see that the early church was devoted to prayer. Which meant they prayed first before acting, that prayer unified them, was based in scripture, and helped empower their ministry. However, if we are honest many of us do not know how to pray. In Matthew 6 Jesus teaches us how to pray in 6 steps. 
 
1. First we should start relationally: “Our Father in heaven.” 
Remember that God cares for you like a good father. He isn’t distant or aloof.
 
2. Next we should worship God: “hallowed be your name.” Hallowed is a word for holy, which means set apart or special. It is good to remember God is holy and should be worshiped.
 
3. Then pray for God’s purposes: “your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.” It is interesting to think that God has prayer requests. Pray for His will in the lives of your friends who don’t know Jesus. Pray for His will in your life at home and work.
 
4. Pray for your needs: “Give us today our daily bread.” Get specific about what you need. Are you worried or stressed? Go boldly to God about your needs. 
 
5. Pray for forgiveness: “And forgive us our debts as we also forgiven our debtors.”  Ask God to forgive where you have fallen short. Be specific. 
 
6. Finally, pray to avoid evil: “And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.” Temptation is always there. Ask God to give you the awareness to see it and resist temptation when it comes your way.
 
Take a few moments now to pray. If you spend 2 minutes on each of these steps you will pray for 12 minutes today. God is near any ready to connect with you!
 
God Bless,
 
Mike