How did Jesus teach us to pray? The Bible shows that Jesus gave His disciples a clear pattern for prayer—one that focuses on God’s glory, our dependence, and a heart aligned with His will (Matthew 6:9–13).
This article is part of our Prayer Series: What the Bible Really Says About Prayer, where we are learning not just why to pray—but how to pray according to Scripture.
This question follows Why Does God Sometimes Say “No”?, helping us move from understanding God’s answers to learning how Jesus Himself taught us to approach God.
The disciples watched Jesus pray—and they didn’t just admire it… they asked to learn it.
That request led to one of the most well-known passages in all of Scripture.
The Saying
“Just pray whatever comes to your mind.”
The Problem
While prayer should be personal and honest, many people feel unsure where to begin.
Without guidance, prayer can become either repetitive or unclear.
But Jesus did not leave His followers guessing.
He gave them a pattern—not empty words to repeat, but a model to follow.
What the Bible Actually Says
Matthew 6:9–13 (ESV)
“Pray then like this:
‘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 also have forgiven our debtors.
And lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil.’”
This is often called “The Lord’s Prayer,” but it is better understood as a pattern for our prayers.
The Truth About How Jesus Taught Us to Pray
Jesus gave us a framework that shapes both our words and our hearts.
His pattern moves in a clear direction:
- Focus on God — “Our Father… hallowed be your name”
- Submit to His will — “Your kingdom come… your will be done”
- Depend on Him — “Give us this day our daily bread”
- Seek forgiveness — “Forgive us our debts”
- Ask for guidance — “Lead us not into temptation”
This teaches us something important:
Prayer is not random—it is relational, purposeful, and God-centered.
Jesus did not just teach us what to say—He showed us how to think as we pray.
Living It Out
- Let your prayers begin with God, not just your needs
- Pray with a desire for God’s will, not just your own
- Bring your daily needs honestly before Him
- Make confession and dependence part of your prayer life
You don’t need perfect words—you need a heart shaped by truth.
And Jesus has already shown you how to begin.
A Short Prayer
Father, thank You for teaching me how to pray through Your Son. Help me to follow His example and to grow in a prayer life that reflects Your will and Your heart. Teach me to come to You with reverence, trust, and dependence. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Continue Learning
This article is part of the Daily Diamonds series: Does God Hear Me? What the Bible Really Says About Prayer. Each article builds on the last to help you grow in a clear, biblical understanding of prayer.