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Fell on Good Ground · Beginner · Lesson 05
Prayer: Coming to Our Father
Learning topic: Prayer: Coming to Our Father. Suggested pace: 30–45 minutes, with optional deeper study.
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Read in context
In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus contrasts prayer aimed at an audience with prayer addressed to the Father.
Learning goal: Explain the main passage in context, compare its related verses, and identify a faithful response.
Matthew 6:5-13 · KJV
Matthew 6:5 And when thou prayest, thou shalt not be as the hypocrites are: for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets, that they may be seen of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward.
Matthew 6:6 But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly.
Matthew 6:7 But when ye pray, use not vain repetitions, as the heathen do: for they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking.
Matthew 6:8 Be not ye therefore like unto them: for your Father knoweth what things ye have need of, before ye ask him.
Matthew 6:9 After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.
Matthew 6:10 Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.
Matthew 6:11 Give us this day our daily bread.
Matthew 6:12 And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.
Matthew 6:13 And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.
What these verses teach
Prayer begins with God’s name, kingdom, and will before moving to daily bread, forgiveness, and deliverance. The pattern frees us from treating prayer as a performance or a technique for controlling outcomes. Daily dependence includes ordinary needs and moral need. The warning against empty repetition concerns hollow speech; it does not forbid sincerely repeating a request. Let the pattern shape your priorities as well as your words.
Help me to understand what I’ve just read
In plain language
Prayer is speaking to our Father, not performing for an audience. Jesus teaches us to seek God’s honor and will while bringing our daily needs.
An everyday example
You can bring an ordinary need to God in a short, sincere prayer.
Check it against Scripture
Return to Matthew 6:5-13. Which words support this explanation? Read the full paragraph before drawing a conclusion.
Try saying it back: “This passage teaches me that …” Write one sentence in your own words, then compare it with the passage.
This is a prepared study explanation, not a live AI answer or a substitute for Scripture. It is always free and requires no account.
Dig deeper: Scripture alongside Scripture
Philippians 4:6-7 · KJV
Philippians 4:6 Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.
Philippians 4:7 And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
Why this connection matters: Requests are joined with thanksgiving, and God’s peace is promised. The passage does not promise that every requested circumstance will occur.
Hebrews 4:14-16 · KJV
Hebrews 4:14 Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession.
Hebrews 4:15 For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.
Hebrews 4:16 Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.
Why this connection matters: Access to grace rests in our great High Priest, who understands temptation without sharing our sin.
Advanced explanation and study
Which petitions direct attention outward and which expose personal dependence? Trace your answer through specific words in the main passage. Then compare the two supporting passages: identify what they clarify and where their immediate settings differ. A shared word alone does not establish an identical meaning; let each paragraph govern its use.
A careful study method
Observe who is speaking, to whom, and why. Separate what the text states from an inference you draw. Note whether you are reading narrative, poetry, teaching, or a promise to a named audience. Explain how your application follows the passage rather than replacing its original meaning. Where faithful Christians differ, describe the question fairly and return to what these verses clearly teach.
Reflect and respond
- What does this passage reveal about God’s character or work?
- Which petitions direct attention outward and which expose personal dependence?
- Which verse challenges or encourages you, and why?
Live what you learn
Use each petition as a prompt for a brief prayer in your own words.
A prayer to begin
Father, hallowed be Thy name; teach me to seek Thy will in daily life.
This prayer and all explanations are original study helps, not additional Scripture.
Check what you remember
What comes before requests for daily bread?
Read the answer
The Father’s name, kingdom, and will. Reread Matthew 6:5-13 and identify the supporting words.
Chapter review
Read the full chapter containing Matthew 6:5-13. Summarize its main thought in your own words, then check that your lesson takeaway fits that larger setting.
Study together with a friend
Choose a time to read this lesson together, in person or by a phone or video call you already use. You can also read separately and discuss it afterward. Every study is free, and no account is needed to read.
- Read the main KJV passage aloud, taking turns if you wish.
- Each share one verse that stood out and explain why.
- Open the help section and compare its explanation with the passage.
- Discuss the deeper question and one practical response.
- Close with prayer if you are both comfortable.
Listen patiently and welcome honest questions. Keep Scripture distinct from personal opinions. Share only what you choose; personal account notes are not shared with your study partner.
Try the multiple-choice review
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