The Process of Prayer
Prayer isn’t about performing for God — it’s about partnering with Him. When Jesus’ disciples asked, “Lord, teach us to pray,” He didn’t give them a formula to memorize. He gave them a framework to live by — what we now call The Lord’s Prayer (Matthew 6:9–13).
Every phrase in that prayer connects us to the Father’s heart and invites us into a life of union, communion, and partnership with Him.
Matthew 6:9–13
Pray then like this:
Our Father in heaven,
hallowed be your name.
Your kingdom come,
your will be done,
on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day 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 evil.
1. “Our Father…” — Union with God
Before we ever ask for anything, Jesus invites us to remember who we’re speaking to. He’s not a distant deity — He’s our Father. Prayer begins in relationship. It’s not a transaction; it’s a conversation between a child and a loving parent.
Every time we say, “Our Father,” we’re declaring that we belong — to Him, and to one another. Prayer unites the body of Christ across generations, cultures, and continents. We don’t pray “my Father.” We pray “our Father.”
2. “Your Kingdom come…” — Communion with God
The heart of prayer is alignment — not getting God to do what we want, but learning to want what He wants. When we pray “Your Kingdom come, Your will be done,” we’re asking Heaven’s order to invade earth’s chaos.
That means inviting His peace into our anxiety. His provision into our lack. His direction into our confusion. His healing into our pain. His reconciliation into our relationships.
When we pray this way, we become part of God’s redemptive movement in our families, workplaces, and city.
3. “Give us this day…” — Partnership with God
God doesn’t just meet spiritual needs — He meets real needs. Jesus taught us to ask for “daily bread,” not monthly miracles. God’s provision often comes one step, one day, one obedient act at a time.
He invites us to trust Him — not because we have everything figured out, but because He is faithful. Philippians 4:19 promises, “My God will supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus.”
When we give, sow, and trust God with our finances, time, and resources, we’re not losing — we’re partnering. He provides for us so He can work through us.
4. “Forgive us…” — The Heart that Stays Free
Prayer isn’t complete without confession. We can’t walk in power while carrying offense. Jesus ties our forgiveness from God to our forgiveness of others. Bringing our sins and hurts before God keeps our hearts free and sensitive to His Spirit.
Forgiveness isn’t a feeling — it’s a decision to hand our pain to Jesus. And when we do, He exchanges it for peace.
5. “Lead us not…” — The Power that Protects
God doesn’t just save us from sin; He leads us away from it. Prayer positions us to hear His warning before temptation takes root. It’s not just asking for rescue — it’s asking for direction.
The more we walk with Him, the more clearly we recognize His leading. He delivers us not only from evil acts, but from the subtle drift of a distracted heart.
The Pattern of Powerful Prayer
The pastor in this message summarized a life of prayer through the five P’s:
Person — Who is God in this situation?
Praise — Thank Him for His faithfulness.
Promise — Stand on His Word.
Process — Let Him adjust your heart.
Persevere — Keep praying in faith.
God answers prayer. Scripture is full of that truth. The invitation isn’t to figure out why every prayer isn’t answered — it’s to keep praying because He still moves when His people do.
Putting It Into Practice
Start where you are. Pick a certain time and a certain place — even if it’s a few quiet moments in your car or a few minutes in your bathroom (as the sermon humorously suggested!). Open your heart. Pray the Lord’s Prayer slowly. Let it guide your thoughts, shape your desires, and draw you close to the Father.
He’s listening. He’s near. And He delights to partner with you.
Key Takeaway
Prayer is not a ritual. It’s a relationship that releases Heaven on earth.
When we pray in faith — trusting the Father’s character, standing on His promises, and aligning with His will — we become part of His story of redemption in the world.