READ | SERMON NOTES
Summary l Many of us struggle with prayer, especially when our prayers go unanswered or why God seems silent. Truth be told, we often treat prayer as a task, a ritual, or a “to-do” item in times of crisis. Our focus shifts to the request rather than the relationship.
Timothy J. Keller said, “When people pray and it doesn’t work, it’s because they used prayer not as God designed it, but as a false model of spirituality.” Prayer fails when misused; like brewing tea leaves in a coffee machine, because that’s not how it was intended to function.
What, then, is the true model of prayer? John Wesley gave a living example. Wesleyan scholar Umphrey Lee recorded that even six days before Wesley’s death, his journals showed him still in constant prayer. For Wesley, prayer was not a duty or a checklist; it was a way of life.
Jesus Himself taught how to pray in Matthew 6:5-13. But before giving the words of “The Lord’s Prayer,” He revealed what makes prayer work.
1. Relationship – with God and others
In ancient Jewish culture, giving alms was a sacred act; a way to atone for sins and gain merit with God. Designated offerings in temple worship were collected for aiding poor families. However, over time, even the practice fell short of its intention. Some gave publicly to be seen and honoured. Jesus condemned this: “Be careful not to practise your righteousness in front of others to be seen by them. When you give to the needy, do not announce it with trumpets.” (Matt. 6:1–2)
The same applies to prayer. Jesus said: “When you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen.” Prayer is relational, not performative. Public prayer can unite believers, but personal prayer reveals who we truly are before God. Religious leaders of Jesus’ time had relationships with people, but not with God. Their prayers sounded impressive, yet their lifestyle lacked intimacy with God. True prayer begins with knowing God personally. God responds to those who walk closely with Him. Prayer without relationship is like speaking to a stranger about personal matters; it lacks connection and trust.
John Wesley wrote: “The end of prayer is not to inform God, as though He knew not your wants already, but to inform yourselves; to deepen your sense of dependence on Him for all your needs.”
If you desire effective prayer, cultivate a private, intimate relationship with God. Your time with Him behind closed doors determines how close you are to Him.
2. Reverence – Honouring God and others from within ourselves
Another aspect that makes prayer works, prayer must be rooted in reverence. Jesus said: “Our Father in heaven, hallowed be Your name. Your kingdom come. Your will be done.” Most of the Lord’s Prayer honours God – His name, His kingdom, His will, and His forgiveness. Only one line asks for personal needs: “Give us today our daily bread.” Yet this is often the focus, while we neglect honouring God first. True reverence gives God priority. It shifts focus from “my kingdom come” to “Your kingdom come.” Prayer is not about manipulating outcomes but aligning ourselves with His purpose and will. When prayer is anchored in reverence for God, it becomes God-centred rather than self-centred. We pray to glorify God and honour others through His eyes.
John Wesley embodied this reverence. His prayers reflected awe, humility, and surrender; recognizing that everything begins and ends with God.
3. Relentless – Shameless Audacity to God
Jesus taught the power of persistence. In the Lukan account of the same teaching (Luke 11), He told of a man who went to a friend at midnight asking for bread. Though the friend initially refused, he eventually gave in, not out of kindness, but because of the man’s shameless audacity.
“Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and the door will be opened to you.” (Luke 11:9) Relentless prayer means approaching God with boldness, confidence, and faith. When relationship and reverence are strong, our prayers will naturally align with His Will and not our will. With hearts aligned – we can pray boldly and ask for the impossible.
John Wesley said: “God does nothing but in answer to prayer.” Persistent prayer reflects total dependence. It is faith that keeps knocking, believing, and surrendering not demanding outcomes, but trusting God’s goodness and timing.
The Warning Against Hypocrisy
Jesus used the word “hypokritēs” Greek for “actor” to describe those who prayed for show. They performed spirituality like a stage play, convincing others but not God. Their only reward, Jesus said, is human applause. True prayer is never a performance. It is not eloquence or emotion that moves God, but honesty and humility. Motive matters more than form. God sees beyond words into the heart. Prayer loses all meaning when it seeks to impress rather than connect.
Conclusion
How then should we pray?
- Relationship – Make sure our relationship with God is strong in our private prayer life.
- Reverence – Honour and love God as our worship and not just seek Him for needs
- Relentless – Out of that relationship & reverence, pray boldly with shameless audacity.
When our hearts are rightly aligned in relationship, reverence, and relentless trust, our prayers carry power and purpose.
PONDER | REFLECTION QUESTIONS
- Study Scripture
a. Read Matthew 6:1-4 – What kind of people is Jesus talking about that will render their service ineffective? What will make their service effective? (V3-4)
b. Read 6:5-6, what kind of people is Jesus now talking about that will make their prayer ineffective?
c. Read 6:7-8 – What do you think makes prayer effective?
d. Read 6:9-13 – identity as many keywords about the Lord’s Prayer as possible – eg Praise, honour, Adoration, etc (when does petition of our request come in?) - Recall Sermon
a. What motivates hypocrites to pray? They will pray because…
b. What motivates disciples to pray? They will pray because …
c. What are the 3 Rs that came out from the sermon?
d. What makes prayer effective? - Relate Personally
a. Jesus describes two types of people in the passage 1-13 and only one type whose prayer will work? Which type can you relate to? Which type are you?
b. Which stood out for you and why? - Commit to Action
a. What is God speaking to you about the way you live your life?
b. What do you think God is saying to you about prayer?
c. Share your convictions and account it to someone.
