Download: Jesus On Prayer Notes

Matthew 6:1-6; 23:1-33 Avoid hypocrisy. Do not be like the Pharisees and

Scribes who love public recognition. Instead, be authentic and sincere. Outwardly, they appeared righteous, but inside were full of greed and self­ indulgence.

Judas Iscariot (John 12:4-6; Matthew 26:14-25) – Pretended concern for the poor when criticizing Mary for using expensive ointment, but he really was a thief.

Ananias and Sapphira (Acts 5:1-11) – Pretended they were giving all the proceeds from selling property while secretly holding some back.

Isaiah 29:13 Then the Lord said, “because this people draw near with their words and honor Me with their lip service, but they remove their hearts far from Me, and their reverence for Me consists of tradition learned by rote.

Matthew 6:7-8 Avoid mechanical or habitual repetition void of understanding the meaning of what is prayed. This is not an instruction to avoid repetition, rather avoid meaningless rote repetition.

The Lord’s prayer, Matthew 6:9-14, has become for many what Jesus told us to avoid.

Jesus contrasts the mechanical approach with a relationship-based approach. God already knows your needs, so prayer is not about informing Him or trying to persuade Him with word count. Prayer is not about formulas, rituals, or endless repetition. God values sincerity and trust.

Matthew 6:9-13; Luke 11:2-4

Matthew 7:7-11 The Greek uses present tense imperatives, which usually carry the sense of continuous or repeated action, so it can be properly translated “asking, seeking, and knocking”. This is a continuous ongoing action.

Luke 11:1-13 If even a reluctant friend will eventually respond to persistent knocking (because of shameless boldness), how much more will your Father who is loving and generous respond to His children who persist in prayer. It shows that persistence is not about nagging God into submission, but about demonstrating genuine need, trust, and reliance on Him.

Luke 18:1-8 It teaches not just persistence in daily prayer, but perseverance in hope when God’s timing feels delayed.

Luke 18:9-14 Jesus sets up a contrast – Pharisee vs. tax collector, the opposite ends of social/religious respectability. The most probable vs. the least likely. Not only does he teach humility, he exposes the religious hypocrisy.

The tax collector’s humble cry “God, be merciful to me, a sinner” was accepted by God, while the Pharisee’s self-congratulation was rejected.

2 Chronicles 7:14 If my people who are called by my name humble themselves, and pray and seek my face …then I will hear from heaven and forgive their sin.

Ezra 9:5-6; Psalm 51:17; James 4:6, 10; 1 Peter 5:6-7

Luke 7:37-38 The sinful woman’s act of humble devotion is as much prayer as any spoken words.

Mark 11:25; Matthew 6:12 – Prayer is hindered if we cling to unforgiveness. Prayer opens fellowship with God, but unforgiveness blocks that fellowship.

If you have difficulty forgiving someone, your first prayer is to ask God to help you forgive. He will help.

Ephesians 4:32; Colossians 3:13

Matthew 21:18-22 Jesus provides an example for understanding faith and prayer.

Mark 11:13-24 Believe that God hears and will answer according to His will. Faith is essential, though faith doesn’t mean forcing God’s hand – it’s trusting His wisdom.

John 6:11; Matthew 15:36 Jesus before multiplying the bread and fishes

Luke 22:17-19 Last supper John 11:41 Lazarus’ tomb Follow Jesus’ Example:

Jesus often prayed alone (Mark 1:35), before major decisions (Luke 6:12), in

gratitude (John 11:41), and even in deep distress (Luke 22:41-44).

His prayers showed intimacy with the Father, submission to God’s will, and reliance on Him in all circumstances.