Almost everyone knows “The Lord’s Prayer” that Jesus taught in the Gospels of Matthew (6:9-13) and Luke (11:2-4). Did Jesus really teach them this prayer so they could recite it repeatedly? Asserting something over and over again verbatim is not what Jesus taught. That is what the Bible refers to as vain repetitions.

When the disciples asked Jesus to teach them how to pray, they wanted to emulate how Jesus abided in the Father, not the exact words He used. As with everything Jesus did, what He taught them was a model that showed them how to approach our Heavenly Father, as well as, the things to discuss with Him.

Our Father, who 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.
And lead us not into temptation;
but deliver us from evil.

Our Heavenly Father doesn’t want to hear the same memorized prayer from us. He wants to hear what is in our hearts and on our minds, because He wants a relationship with us. He wants to help us and bless us in all the ways that He possibly can. He wants us to have His answers, and live a life of victory. Approach Him with holy reverence. Align your will with His. Bring into line your requests with what His Word says. Forgive others and keep a clean heart. Approach your Heavenly Father from deep within your spirit with what is on your heart. Expect to receive answers. He is ready and willing to answer your prayers!