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<title>Prayer: Drawing Near to God</title>
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<h1>Prayer: Drawing Near to God</h1>

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<h3>How to Pray to God Using the Lord’s Prayer as a Guide</h3>

<p class="lead dropcap">Prayer is one of the greatest gifts God has given us. Through prayer, we speak to the One who created us, loves us, and invites us to pray to Him. Many people long to pray, but they often feel unsure of what to say or how to begin. Jesus understood this, and He graciously provided a pattern to help us—not a formula to memorize, but a path that leads our hearts toward God.</p>

<p>This pattern is known as the Lord’s Prayer (Matthew 6:9–13). Each line opens a door into real, personal conversation with God. Below is an invitation to walk through that prayer slowly, letting it shape your own words and your daily fellowship with Him.</p>

<h2>1. “Our Father in heaven” — Come as a Child Who is Loved</h2>

<p>Jesus teaches us to begin by recognizing who God is to us: a Father who cares, who listens, who welcomes.<br />
When you pray, remind yourself:</p>

<ul>
<li>I am not coming to a distant stranger.</li>
<li>I am coming to a Father who knows me.</li>
<li>I am welcomed because of His love.</li>
</ul>

<p>Pray like this:<br />
“Father, thank You for loving me. Thank You that I can come to You with everything in my heart.”</p>

<h2>2. “Hallowed be Your name” — Honor God First</h2>

<p>“Hallowed” means holy, set apart, honored. Before we bring our concerns, we lift our eyes to the greatness of God.</p>

<p>Worship turns our restless hearts toward His peace.</p>

<p>Pray like this:<br />
“Lord, You are wonderful and good. Your name is above all names. Help me honor You in my thoughts, my words, and my actions today.”</p>

<h2>3. “Your kingdom come” — Pray for God’s Goodness to Spread</h2>

<p>God’s kingdom is His rule—His goodness, justice, mercy, and truth at work in the world and in us. When we pray for His kingdom to come, we are asking God to shape our desires to match His.</p>

<p>Pray like this:<br />
“Lord, let Your goodness be seen in my life. Bring Your peace and truth into my home, my community, and my relationships.”</p>

<h2>4. “Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven” — Surrender with Trust</h2>

<p>This is a prayer of trust and surrender. We ask God to guide our steps, correct our ways, and strengthen our obedience.</p>

<p>Pray like this:<br />
“Father, help me want what You want. Guide me in decisions. Give me a heart that follows Your ways with joy.”</p>

<h2>5. “Give us this day our daily bread” — Bring Your Needs to God</h2>

<p>God invites us to bring our daily needs—physical, emotional, and spiritual. Nothing is too small or unimportant.</p>

<p>Daily bread reminds us that God provides for us one day at a time.</p>

<p>Pray like this:<br />
“Lord, You know what I need today. Provide what is best—my food, my strength, my peace, my wisdom.”</p>

<h2>6. “Forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors” — Receive Mercy and Show Mercy</h2>

<p>We come asking for God’s forgiveness, not because we deserve it, but because Jesus paid our debt. In the same breath, we ask for help to forgive others.</p>

<p>Pray like this:<br />
“Father, forgive the ways I fall short. Cleanse my heart. And help me show the same grace to those who have hurt me.”</p>

<h2>7. “Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil” — Ask for Protection</h2>

<p>Here we ask God to guard us from sin, from harmful paths, and from the influence of evil.</p>

<p>We are weak, but He is strong.</p>

<p>Pray like this:<br />
“Lord, protect me today. Keep me from harmful choices. Strengthen me to walk in what is right and good.”</p>

<h2>8. “For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever” — Rest in God’s Sovereign Strength</h2>

<p>This closing reminds us who is truly in control. God’s purposes cannot fail. His power never weakens. His glory never fades.</p>

<p>Pray like this:<br />
“Father, everything belongs to You. You have all power, and You deserve all praise. I rest in Your strong hands.”</p>

<h2>Putting It All Together: A Simple Pattern for Daily Prayer</h2>

<p>Use this gentle outline each day:</p>

<ol>
<li><strong>Begin with worship</strong> — Lift your heart to God.</li>
<li><strong>Seek His purposes</strong> — Ask for His goodness to shape your life.</li>
<li><strong>Bring your needs</strong> — Tell Him what is on your mind.</li>
<li><strong>Confess and forgive</strong> — Receive mercy and offer mercy.</li>
<li><strong>Ask for protection</strong> — Trust Him with your steps.</li>
<li><strong>End with praise</strong> — Remember His power and glory.</li>
</ol>

<h2>A Closing Prayer</h2>

<p>“Father, thank You for inviting me to draw near to You. Teach me to pray with a sincere heart. Let the pattern Jesus gave shape my thoughts and desires. Draw me close, strengthen my faith, and help me walk with You each day. Amen.”</p>

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