Holy Conversations: Learning to Pray
We are beginning our sermon series, Holy Conversations. We will be exploring the conversations Jesus had with various people in the Gospels. Together, we want to learn how to have conversations that matter—with one another and with others.
How can we gain the confidence to speak about God?
How can we find the courage to be vulnerable with our brothers and sisters in Christ?
As James encourages us, how can we confess our sins to one another and pray for each other so that we may be healed?
At its core, Holy Conversations are about giving grace and receiving grace. But before those conversations can begin between us, they must begin with God.
Holy Conversations Begin with God
Many times, prayer is something we talk about more than we do. Often, it’s something we ask others to do for us. None of us would turn down someone praying for us.
I am often humbled by the thought that so many of you pray for me. It is one of the great joys and privileges of serving as your pastor—to know that you lift me up in prayer daily. I am always overwhelmed by that thought.
Yet, some of us would admit that prayer can be hard. We may experience a dry prayer life. We might feel that our prayers are useless. If we are honest, our prayers can be few and far between. Even those who believe in prayer often struggle to pray consistently.
If it has been a while since you prayed—or if you don’t know how to start—let me give you some guidance.
Teach Us to Pray
When the disciples asked Jesus, “Teach us to pray,” He gave them these words:
Our Father which art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name.
Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us.
Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.
For Thine is the kingdom, the power, and the glory forever and ever. Amen.
Yes, this is a model prayer. Yes, simply repeating it can sometimes lose meaning. But notice: when the disciples said, “Teach us to pray,” Jesus said, “Pray this.”
When prayer feels hard, slowly praying the Lord’s Prayer with intention is a great place to begin.
The Lord’s Prayer Reorients Our Lives
This prayer places us in God’s kingdom, not the other way around. It reminds us of our dependence on God’s goodness and grace. It also teaches us that our relationships with others matter deeply to Him.
In essence, every line of this prayer reorients our lives.
When you don’t have the words to pray—pray this way. Prayer will grow to be more than repetition, but the Lord’s Prayer is always a good starting place.
An Invitation to Pray
Before we can have holy conversations with one another, we must first have holy conversation with God.
This week, I encourage you to:
Pray the Lord’s Prayer.
If you pray regularly, add it to your rhythm.
If you struggle with prayer, let it be your beginning.
My friends, let us pray.
