This, then, is how you should pray…
- Matthew 6:9
Do you struggle to pray? You want to talk to God, but just don’t know what to say?
There is nothing wrong with you! Jesus knows it can be difficult, so He gives us a model for how to pray in Matthew 6.
He begins in verse 9, “Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name…”
Jesus guides us to begin our prayers with worship of God the Father. Before you ask God for what you need, worship Him. Acknowledge Who He is. Spend time praising Him.
God is separate, different, and far above us. So, when we praise Him, we are acknowledging His “God-ness!”
Maybe you don’t truly understand Who God is. The Bible also helps us with that!
What do you learn about God from the following verses? Before you ask God for anything this morning, spend time praising Him for what you learn about Him.
1 The Lord is my light and my salvation—
whom shall I fear?
The Lord is the stronghold of my life—
of whom shall I be afraid?
2 When the wicked advance against me
to devour me,
it is my enemies and my foes
who will stumble and fall.
3 Though an army besiege me,
my heart will not fear;
though war break out against me,
even then I will be confident.
4 One thing I ask from the Lord,
this only do I seek:
that I may dwell in the house of the Lord
all the days of my life,
to gaze on the beauty of the Lord
and to seek him in his temple.
5 For in the day of trouble
he will keep me safe in his dwelling;
he will hide me in the shelter of his sacred tent
and set me high upon a rock. Psalm 27:1-5
Today: Let this be a new opportunity to forever change your prayer life!
With Love,
Kristi Briggs
Prayer doesn't have to begin with a list of requests or the perfect words. Jesus invites us to begin by turning our hearts toward our Heavenly Father and remembering who He is. As we reflect on God's character, our hearts are reminded of His goodness, power, faithfulness, and love.
Before moving on with your day, take a few quiet moments to consider what you know about God and how you can begin your prayers with praise.
Journal & Reflect
- What do I know about God's character that I can praise Him for today?
- Do I tend to begin my prayers with requests, or do I make time to worship God first?
- Which Bible verse reminds me of who God is and what He is like?
- How might beginning with praise change the way I approach prayer today?
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Matthew 6:9 mean?
Matthew 6:9 introduces the Lord's Prayer, the model Jesus gives His disciples for prayer. By beginning with “Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name,” Jesus teaches us to approach God with both the closeness of a child speaking to a loving Father and deep reverence for His holiness.
Why does Jesus teach us to begin prayer with praise?
Praise turns our attention toward God's character before we focus on our needs. It reminds us of His faithfulness, power, goodness, and holiness, helping us approach prayer with gratitude and trust.
What does “hallowed be your name” mean?
“Hallowed” means holy or set apart as sacred. In this prayer, we honor God's name by recognizing His holiness, revering who He is, and treating Him with the worship He deserves.
How can I learn to pray when I don't know what to say?
You can begin simply by acknowledging who God is and thanking Him for His goodness. Read a Psalm, reflect on a Bible verse, or tell God honestly what's on your heart. The Lord's Prayer provides a helpful starting point when words are difficult to find.
How can I deepen my relationship with God through prayer?
Make prayer a regular part of your day. Spend time praising God, reading Scripture, expressing gratitude, sharing your concerns, and listening quietly for His guidance. Consistency and honesty matter more than having perfect words.
Prayer
Lord,
Thank You for inviting me into a relationship with You. Forgive me for the times I rush into prayer with my requests without first pausing to remember who You are. Open my eyes to Your goodness, Your holiness, Your faithfulness, and Your love.
Teach me to praise You in every season and to approach You with both confidence and reverence. Let Your Word shape my prayers and help me grow in understanding of Your character. May worship become a natural beginning to my conversations with You, drawing my heart closer to Yours each day.
Thank You for being my loving Father and for welcoming me into Your presence.
In Jesus' name,
Amen.
Message from Kara
One thing I love about the Lord's Prayer is that Jesus gives us permission to keep prayer simple while still making it meaningful.
Sometimes, I think we can get so focused on what we need God to do that we forget to pause and remember who He is. We come with our worries, our questions, and our long list of requests—and He welcomes us. But there is something beautiful about beginning with worship and simply acknowledging His goodness.
When I take time to reflect on God's character, it shifts my perspective. My circumstances may not have changed, but I'm reminded of the One who walks with me through them.
If prayer has felt difficult or you've struggled to find the right words, I hope this verse encourages you. You don't need an elaborate prayer. Begin by praising God for who He is. Let His Word remind you of His faithfulness, and allow that truth to shape the rest of your conversation with Him.
May your time with the Lord today draw you closer to His heart.
With Love,
Kara
Applying this to your Daily Routine
Take time to reflect, pray, and process what God is teaching you through every season. Our Personalized Prayer Journal was designed to help you grow deeper in faith—one day at a time–turning intention into habit. Many people use journals to revisit verses like these and reflect throughout the week.
👉 Explore Personalized Scripture Products at www.papersunday.com
Today's devotional pairs beautifully with the Mariposa Cross Personalized Scripture Journal
If you’re still working through questions of who you are, these devotionals can guide you:
Colossians 1:10 Devotional: Strength, Fruitfulness & God’s Love
Daily Devotional • Romans 8 • Living Free & Secure in God’s Love
Start each morning with a devotional like this one
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