Daily Devotional | Teach Us to Pray

Pastor David Platt says, “The primary purpose of prayer is not to get something, but to know Someone.” This month, as we focus on powerful prayers from the Bible, we want to learn how we may become better people of prayer. With all that is happening in our world and in our personal lives, it is important to examine and strengthen our prayer lives.

Oftentimes we forget that Jesus was not only a master teacher and miracle worker but also a master “pray-er.” Throughout the gospels, we see Jesus praying for others, with others, alone, and in nature. Luke tells us that Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed. His whole life was soaked in prayer (Luke 5:16).

In our text today, Jesus teaches His disciples that prayer begins with a humble heart and right attitude toward God and others (vv. 5–6). Unlike the religious elites, He tells His followers that their heavenly Father answers the prayer of those who understand who they are in light of who God is. We must remember though, as Platt says, that the “reward” is not necessarily getting something, but knowing Someone (v. 6).

Jesus also taught His listeners that their prayer ought to be purposeful. Unlike the pagans who babble with many words, our prayers ought to be properly directed and honestly pronounced (vv. 7–8). Jesus gives a pattern of prayer for His listeners to follow that has come to be known today as the Lord’s Prayer (vv. 9–13). We will unpack this prayer later this month, but as we approach Good Friday, examine your own motives in prayer. Make it your aim not to seek things, but to get to know Him more.

>> This month, make it a point to set aside a time and place for consistent prayer. Choose a quiet place where you will be able to silence your mind and quiet your soul so you can dialogue with your heavenly Father.

Pray with Us

Lord, as we study powerful prayers from the Bible, place our hearts in a proper posture before you. Teach us to pray with humility and honesty, and with ears tuned to your voice.

BY Dr. Chris Rappazini

Dr. Chris Rappazini is Associate Professor of Pastoral Studies at Moody Bible Institute. He is the former President of the Evangelical Homiletics Society and previously served as an Associate Minister of Preaching and Teaching in Spokane, Washington. Chris and his wife, Ashley, and their children reside in Northwest Indiana.