When Jesus taught his disciples to pray, he started by making it clear that prayer is not about a ritual, but a relationship. He highlighted many of the ritualistic ways to pray that we should avoid. Instead, we should begin with the relationship of being children of a loving, heavenly parent, "Our Father".

Looking for a previous devo? Want to share one with a friend? Start here:

https://www.highrock.org/daily-devotionals/

Pastor Dave's sermon on prayer:

https://youtu.be/1c-q8ToeTwE

For Reflection:

Prayer is a relationship, not a ritual.

- What are some of the ways that you have seen people emphasize prayer as a ritual? What was helpful and what was unhelpful in their example?

- "Our father in heaven" -- how is this introduction to prayer helpful for you, and how is it challenging?