BIBLE SCHOOL EDITION – Nathan and Pastor Scott talk about what prayer truly is — and what it isn’t by looking at the disciples’ prayer in Matthew 6.5-14. Prayer isn’t just a monologue directed at God; it’s a real conversation with the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. They explore how prayer includes not just speaking, but also listening for God’s response and how to grow in our ability to hear His voice, not just Bible verses and what we think He’s saying. *Please note, this discussion takes place in two episodes. This is episode two.*
— EPISODE CHAPTERS —
(00:00) Introduction
(11:20) Matthew 6.5-7
(29:28) Matthew 6.8-14
(43:42) Activation Steps
— EPISODE LINKS —
— EPISODE NOTES —
What is Prayer?
Prayer, by its nature, defines God as personal (Psalm 34.18; 139.7-12; Romans 10.20-21; Jeremiah 23.23-24). Prayer is a real and specific, vulnerable conversation with God (Matthew 6.9; 1 Timothy 2.5; Romans 8.26):
- The Father: giver of identity & destiny (e.g., plans, purpose, and design issues)
- The Son: revealer of identity & destiny (e.g., relationship and circumstantial issues)
- The Holy Spirit: empowerer of identity & destiny (e.g., ability and emotional issues)
God desires connection with us (Psalm 51.16-17; Hosea 6.6). Jesus reveals this in his own life (schedule: Luke 5.15-16; grieving: Matthew 14.13; joy: Luke 10.21; struggle: Luke 22.39-46).
APPLICATION QUESTION(S): When or with whom (or what) do you avoid prayer or neglect to pray? What part does prayer play in your life when making plans or preparing for the future?
Prayer: Moment-by-Moment Dependence Upon the Holy Spirit
Jesus assumes that Christians pray (Commanded: Matthew 6.5-8; Demonstrated: Matthew 14.23; 19.13; Mark 6.46; 14.35) and Paul reveals what prayer looks like: moment-by-moment (Romans 12.12; Philippians 4.6; Colossians 4.2; 1 Thessalonians 5.17). Jesus gives us the disciples’ prayer as an example in Matthew 6:
- v. 5 – We pray… sincerely – not ritualistically, legalistically, or formulaic.
- v. 6a – We pray intimately, without distraction.
- v. 6b – We don’t admire demonic religious prayers – our standard must be Jesus.
- v. 9a – We pray corporately to God as a dad.
- v. 9b – We believe God is uniquely separate and altogether different – His core nature.
- v. 10 – We believe God is King and He is in charge – bold submission.
- v. 11 – We pray for their needs – receive grace for our fears, worries, and anxieties.
- v. 12 – We pray for repentance and forgiveness – as we forgive, God forgives us.
- v. 13 – We pray for victory in temptation – empowerment by the Holy Spirit.
APPLICATION QUESTION(S): How does the way you pray reveal your desire for community, connection, and dependence upon God rather than comfort, personal preferences, or control?
ACTIVATION STEPS
From this study, prayerfully walk through the following steps:
STEP #1 – ALIGN YOUR DESIRES WITH JESUS’ KINGDOM (Matthew 6.10):
Jesus begins his prayer model by centering everything on who God is, His Kingdom, and His will — this reminds us to set aside personal desires and seek God’s desire first in every area of life. Ask the Holy Spirit: What part of my life needs to be more aligned with Your Kingdom (think fruit of the Spirit) and less about my own control or comfort?
STEP #2 – DEPEND DAILY ON THE HEAVENLY FATHER’S PROVISION (Matthew 6.11):
This prayer doesn’t ask for excess or wants but rather for our needs to be met — challenging both our tendency toward self-indulgence or anxiety about the future. It draws us toward living dependent upon God daily. Ask the Holy Spirit: How am I struggling to believe or see You as responsible and in charge in that area of my life?
STEP #3 – RESPOND TO WHO GOD IS IN THE MIDST OF NEED (Matthew 6.13):
Instead of reacting from fear, self-protection, or control when needs arise, we can ask the Holy Spirit to reveal the Father’s character in the moment — then align our response with that truth. This is how dependence leads to transformation and peace of mind. Ask the Holy Spirit: What is the truth about who You are in this situation? In response to this truth, what can I do that would reveal my agreement and dependence upon who You are?
