[Jesus said] “And when you pray, you must not be like the hypocrites. For they love to stand and pray in the synagogues and at the street corners, that they may be seen by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. 6 But when you pray, go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you. 7 “And when you pray, do not heap up empty phrases as the Gentiles do, for they think that they will be heard for their many words. 8 Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him. 9 Pray then like this: “Our Father, who is in heaven, hallowed be your name. 10 Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. 11 Give us this day our daily bread, 12 and forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. 13 And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.”
1. Is prayer something you often do? Are you drawn to it? Why or why not?
2. Is it comforting that the Father sees you better than anyone else? Why or why not?
3. Do you feel a pressure to get your prayers right? Does it help that the Father knows you and circumstances already, and he knows what’s best?
4. Can you trust that the Father hears your prayers and responds?
5. Do you find it a miracle that you can call God “Father”?
6. Does having a Father in heaven change your day to day reality on earth?
