Scripture: Matthew 6:5–14

Devotion

In this passage, Jesus gives two examples of how not to pray before offering a simple but powerful model for prayer.

First, He warns against praying like certain religious leaders who prayed to be seen by others. Their words might have been eloquent, but their goal was to gain attention, not commune with God.

Second, He cautions against praying like the pagans, who believed that the right combination of words or effort would earn divine favor. Their prayers were transactional, focused on results rather than relationship.

Instead, Jesus teaches us to pray by first giving God glory and then seeking His will before bringing our needs.

When we begin by giving God glory, saying “Our Father in heaven, your name be honored as holy,” we guard our hearts from pride and self-focus. Prayer is not about us; it is about Him.

When we submit to His will, praying “Your kingdom come. Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven,” we guard against the error of treating prayer as a means of control.

The rest of the prayer acknowledges our real needs because God cares for them, yet it keeps our hearts rightly aligned. When we honor God first and seek His will, our prayers move in step with His purpose, and true spiritual momentum begins.

A Personal Prayer

Our Father in heaven, Your name is holy. Thank You for allowing me to approach You through the work of Jesus. Thank You for caring for me. Father, before I ask for anything, shape my heart to desire Your plan more than my own. Help me to see Your kingdom on earth and Your will in my life.

Pray for Our Neighbors: Begin Anew

Begin Anew is a ministry providing hope and education to adults seeking a fresh start through personal, professional, and spiritual growth. By offering mentorship, leadership development, and community support, Begin Anew helps individuals discover purpose and become agents of change in their families and neighborhoods.

• Pray for God to raise up new mentors, leaders, and coaches to inspire and guide Begin Anew’s students toward a successful fresh start.
• Ask God to help Begin Anew’s students experience His love, know their worth, and find purpose in impacting future generations.
• Pray for each of the four Begin Anew locations to thrive as places of learning, encouragement, and community.

Pray for the Nations: Transformation Nepal

Transformation Nepal is a nonprofit organization dedicated to reaching marginalized and underprivileged communities through holistic development rooted in the gospel. Founded in 2005, it focuses on education, sustainable livelihoods, disaster management, healthcare, and advocacy to promote human dignity and justice.

• Pray for lasting change in the lives of those served by Transformation Nepal.
• Ask God for wisdom and strength for the staff and volunteers as they work in diverse and challenging communities.