The Mystery and Majesty of Prayer | Matthew 6:9-13

Ice Breaker: “Who Do You Call First?”

When something big happens in your life—good or bad—who is the first person you want to tell?

• Why do you choose that person?
• What makes that relationship feel safe or important?

Prayer is about relationship. Jesus invites us to talk to God as “Our Father”—someone we can go to first in every moment.

Read these passages together:

Psalm 4:3, Hebrews 4:16, Matthew 6:9-13

 Discussion Questions

1. When you hear Jesus say “Our Father,” what stands out to you about your relationship with God? Does it feel personal or distant?
2. What has shaped the way you relate to God in prayer—your past experiences, upbringing, or something else?
3. What does it mean to you to pray “hallowed be Your name”? How does adoration and honoring God change the way you approach Him?
4. How often do your prayers focus on God’s will and kingdom versus your own plans and desires?
5. Why is it important to remember our need for forgiveness when we pray? How does that keep us grounded?
6. Is there someone you need to forgive right now? How might that be affecting your relationship with God?
7. Jesus teaches us to pray for daily bread. What does that reveal about how we’re meant to depend on God?
8. In what area of your life are you currently relying more on yourself than on God?
9. What does it look like in a practical sense to ask God to lead you away from temptation and toward what is right?
10. If you truly believed God hears you (Psalm 4:3) and invites you to come boldly (Hebrews 4:16), how would that change your prayer life this week?

Prayer Prompts

1. Father, help me see You as personal and near. Teach me to come to You with honesty and trust like a child to a loving Father.
2. God, Your name is holy. Help me to honor You in my prayers and in my life. Shift my focus from myself to Your glory.
3. Lord, reveal any sin in my heart. Help me to receive Your forgiveness and extend that same grace to others.
4. Father, I need You. Teach me to depend on You daily—for provision, strength, and direction—instead of relying on myself.
5. God, lead me away from temptation and guide my steps this week. Give me wisdom to make choices that honor You.