Read Together:

In this manner, therefore, pray:

“Our Father in heaven,
Hallowed be Your name.

Your kingdom come.
Your will be done
On earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread.
And forgive us our debts,
As we forgive our debtors.
 And do not lead us into temptation,
But deliver us from the evil one.
For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.”

Matt. 6:9-13

Main idea:

Jesus often retreated to a quiet place to spend time alone with His Father. Prayer refreshed Him after a long day of ministry. It was His source of strength. In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus taught us how to pray and offered the Lord’s Prayer as an example.  We too, can find our strength and be refreshed in the Lord as we turn to prayer.

Preschool & Early Elementary Takeaway:

Jesus taught us to pray because it helps focus our thinking on God’s will, not our own. The Lord’s Prayer declares God as our provider. It acknowledges that only God can forgive our sins, ease our anger and to protect us. 

Why is it important for us to forgive others?

What does it feel like when someone forgives you? 

Student & Teen Takeaway:

It’s important that we move beyond prayer as a means of obtaining our personal wants and needs and to focus it as a time to increase our desire for God and to get on board with His mission (reaching the lost). Prayer not only draws us closer to God, but gives us compassion for our family, friends, and neighbors. 

What does the Lord’s Prayer tell us about what’s important to God?

What struggles have you experienced in prayer?

What do you think it means to persevere in prayer? Why would this be important?

Couples: Each day brings it’s own challenges, some easier than others.  We often forget to protect our hearts from the worry, stress, anxiety, frustrations, disappointments, etc. that we experience throughout the day.  Turning to prayer, particularly as a couple, can help us get our eyes off our circumstances and to fix them once again on Jesus Christ!

How can I pray for you today?

Who in our family should we be praying for?

Pray Together:

 Lord, we need you.  We know you’re the provider, savior, and protector of our family.  We pray that you continue to soften each of our hearts, help us to be sensitive to the leading of your Holy Spirit.  Forgive us for trying to live out of our own strength.  There is nothing that You can’t do.  We will trust in you!

Sing Together:

Lord, I need You.