Matthew 6:5–15 (NIV)

5 “And when you pray, do not be like the hypocrites, for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the street corners to be seen by others. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full. 6 But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you. 7 And when you pray, do not keep on babbling like pagans, for they think they will be heard because of their many words. 8 Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him. 

9 “This, then, is how you should pray: 

“ ‘Our Father in heaven, 

 hallowed be your name, 

 10 your kingdom come, 

 your will be done, 

on earth as it is in heaven. 

11 Give us today our daily bread. 

12 And forgive us our debts, 

as we also have forgiven our debtors. 

13 And lead us not into temptation, 

but deliver us from the evil one.’ 

About 6 months ago, I wrote out  a very simple list of exercises to do 3-5 times each day. They are very basic and simple so that I can build consistency and not give up: Walk around the block, do 10 pushups, 10 sit ups, 10 squats, and stretch. Super easy and it doesn’t take much time at all. 

The only problem is that I haven’t done it a single time. 

Knowing what to do and doing it are two completely different things. We all know how important prayer is. Jesus even makes it easier for us by giving us a very simple prayer for us to use 3-5 times each day. It is basic and simple so that you can build consistency. It doesn’t take much time at all. You just have to do it. 

Your Turn:

Over the next two weeks, you will develop the discipline of prayer. We will start very simply with Jesus’ teaching.

• Find a private spot in your home to meet with Jesus each day. Close the door, turn off any distractions, leave your phone somewhere else. 

• Take a moment to focus and center on God. If it helps, try kneeling or using a prayer shawl. 

• Pray the Lord’s Prayer. Don’t just say the words, pray the words. It has to come from your heart and soul. 

• In the course of the week, work on memorizing the prayer if you haven’t done so already. 

• Consistency is key. Do it at least once a day. If you are still doing the discipline of the Daily Hours, pray the Lord’s prayer when your alarm goes off at 9, 12, and 3.