Rand Hummel led the students through how not to pray, as demonstrated in Matthew 6:5-7, and how to then pray like Jesus taught in verses 9-13. He challenged them to be intentional with God’s name and to talk with Him freely. Hummel encouraged the students to remember God’s provision, to forgive others as God has, and to rely on God’s protection and deliverance from temptation and evil.
Scripture Text
Matthew 6:5-13
Main Points or Ideas
- Pray to Your Heavenly Father - Every time Paul and Jesus prayed, they prayed to their Heavenly Father. Prayer is not talking to people about God, but talking to God Himself. Students should find a place where they can remove all distractions, shut the door, and pray to their Father who sees in secret and will reward them openly.
- Avoid Vain Repetitions - Many believers use empty religious phrases without thinking, like robotically saying "thank you for this day" or overusing "Lord" as punctuation. We become so repetitive that others can lip sync our prayers. Instead, take a breath, slow down, and remember who you're talking to. Use God's name thoughtfully rather than taking it in vain by using it in an empty way.
- Follow Jesus' Prayer Pattern - Jesus gave His disciples a prayer list with six major points that cover everything believers need: address God properly as our wonderful, loving Heavenly Father; hallow His name (recognize how wonderful His characteristics are); pray for His kingdom to come and His will to be done; ask for daily provision; seek forgiveness and commit to forgiving others; ask God to keep us from temptation and sin; and acknowledge His power and glory.
- Forgiveness is Essential - If there is anyone you refuse to forgive, God will not answer your prayers. Forgiveness is not forgetting (God is omniscient and cannot forget), but it is a promise to remember sins no more. We must ask God to replace anger and bitterness with pity—disappointment wrapped in love—for those who have hurt us.
Conclusion
A simple prayer pattern people can use and teach others is: "My loving Heavenly Father, please keep me in your will. Help me to depend on you today. Forgive me and help me to forgive others. Please keep me from sin. Thank you for being such a wonderful, powerful God. Amen."
