This week, Pastor Chris taught us to pray by first approaching God as “Our Father,” cultivating a deep, loving relationship with Him and reflecting that love toward others. We honor His holy name and seek His kingdom and will above our own, depending on Him daily for provision, strength, and spiritual victory. As recipients of His grace, we forgive from the heart and engage in spiritual warfare, living as faithful witnesses of His present and coming kingdom.

Matthew 6:9a (ESV)

9 Pray then like this: “Our Father in heaven…

1. Connect with Him Relationally

John 13:34 (ESV)

34 A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another.

 Romans 12:10 (ESV)

10 Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor.

Romans 15:7 (ESV)

7 Therefore welcome one another as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God.

Galatians 5:13 (ESV)

…through love serve one another.

Ephesians 4:32 (ESV)

32 Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.

1 Peter 5:7 (ESV)

7 casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you.

2. Worship His Name

Matthew 6:9 (ESV)

9 Pray then like this: “Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name.

3. Pray His Agenda First

Matthew 6:10 (ESV)

10 Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.

Relationship Between Kingdom and Church

  1. Jesus, who came as king, inaugurated his kingdom in the New Covenant (Acts 2:16-21) and in the Church (Acts 2:41-47).
  2. Jesus spoke of a coming kingdom (Mark 13).
  3. Jesus is now in heaven as anointed king; He will appear as reigning king (Acts 3:20-21).
  4. Believers are faithful members of the present and coming kingdom (John 14:14-16).
  5. The church witnesses to the present and coming kingdom (Acts 1:3-8).
  6. The church is an outpost, a forerunner, the first fruit of the coming kingdom (Matt. 16).
  7. The church does battle against the kingdom of darkness using the weapons of Light (Rom. 13:12).

Luke 12:31 (NLT)

31 Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and he will give you everything you need.

4. Depend on Him for Everything

Matthew 6:11 (ESV)

11 Give us this day our daily bread

Proverbs 30:8–9 (NLT)

8 First, help me never to tell a lie. Second, give me neither poverty nor riches! Give me just enough to satisfy my needs. 9 For if I grow rich, I may deny you and say, “Who is the Lord?” And if I am too poor, I may steal and thus insult God’s holy name.

Proverbs 11:24 (ESV)

24 One gives freely, yet grows all the richer; another withholds what he should give, and only suffers want.

  • A passage on learning how to depend on the Lord.
  • When we give, we learn to depend on the Lord and the end result is BLESSING.
  • When we withhold, we depend on ourselves and the end result is WANT.

“Do your givin’ while you’re livin’ so you’re knowin’ where its goin’.”

5. Forgive as Forgiven

Matthew 6:12 (ESV)

12 and forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors..

Sin includes individual acts, attitudes, and desires committed or omitted contrary to God’s personality to includes one’s motivation.

Luke 23:34 (ESV)

34 And Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.” And they cast lots to divide his garments.

Mental and Emotional Health Benefits

  • Reduced Negative Emotions
  • Lowered Stress and Anxiety
  • Improved Psychological Health
  • Increased Life Satisfaction

Physical Health Benefits

  • Enhanced Cardiovascular Health
  • Better Sleep Quality
  • Reduced Physical Pain
  • Lowered Addiction Rates

6. Engage in Spiritual Warfare

Matthew 6:13 (ESV)

13 And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.

7. Forgive from the Heart

Matthew 6:14 (ESV)

14 For if you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you, 15 but if you do not forgive others their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.

Matthew 18:32, 35 (ESV)

32 Then his master summoned him and said to him, ‘You wicked servant! I forgave you all that debt because you pleaded with me. 33 And should not you have had mercy on your fellow servant, as I had mercy on you?’ 35 So also my heavenly Father will do to every one of you, if you do not forgive your brother from your heart.”

“Everyone says forgiveness is a lovely idea, until they have something to forgive.” C.S. Lewis

What are some signs that you have totally forgiven someone?

  • You genuinely desire the best for them.
  • You can confidently and freely pray blessing over them.
  • You desire to love them in increasing measure.
  • You have no desire for vengeance or to expose them to shame.
  • You do not hold their sin against them or keep bringing it up.

Discussion Questions:

  1. How does seeing God as Father shape the way you pray?
  2. What is the difference between praying for your plans versus praying for God’s kingdom?
  3. How would you define biblical forgiveness?

Application Questions:

  1. What step can you take this week toward heart-level forgiveness?
  2. What is one specific action you will take this week to “pray like Jesus”?