Learning to Pray Like Jesus: A Deeper Dive

Written By Kara Veach

Prayer can sometimes feel daunting. It’s one of those spiritual practices that many people struggle with—whether it's the question of what words to use, when to pray, or how to approach God in an authentic way. But when we look to the life of Jesus, we find that prayer is not just a ritual but a relationship—a conversation with our Creator. Understanding how Jesus prayed can transform our own prayer life, bringing us closer to God and aligning our hearts with His.

In this article, we’re exploring how to pray like Jesus, based on a well-known biblical prayer and principles that Jesus himself taught. This isn't about techniques, formulas, or traditions; it's about building a relationship. Click the link above for the full message.

Start with Acknowledging Who’s in Control

When we dive into the model Jesus gives us for prayer, He starts with a profound statement of humility: "Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name" (Matthew 6:9, NIV). The first step in prayer is recognizing who God is and who we are in relation to Him. We are not in control.

It’s easy to think we have a handle on life. But moments of crisis remind us that control is often just an illusion. Whether it’s a minor inconvenience or a major life event, the truth hits home—there’s so much we can’t control. Prayer is our way of surrendering control and acknowledging that God is sovereign. We come to God with open hands, not clenched fists.

  • Practical takeaway: In your next prayer, start by reflecting on God's sovereignty. Remind yourself that He is in control, not you.

God Knows Our Needs Before We Ask

As Jesus continues in the Lord’s Prayer, He says, "Give us today our daily bread" (Matthew 6:11, NIV). This simple request reminds us that God is our provider. He already knows our needs—whether physical, emotional, or spiritual—and prayer is a way for us to bring those needs to Him in faith.

But why ask if God already knows? The answer is found in the act of trust. Prayer isn't just about getting what we want; it’s about trusting that God knows what’s best for us. Sometimes that means our prayers might not be answered in the way we expect. But that doesn’t mean God isn’t at work.

A Lesson in Trust

In Matthew 6:30-34, we are reminded of God’s provision for all of creation, including us. We are called not to worry about tomorrow, because "each day has enough trouble of its own" (Matthew 6:34, NIV). God’s provision isn’t about satisfying all our desires, but about meeting our needs in His perfect timing.

  • Practical takeaway: When praying for your needs, shift your focus from worry to trust. Can you trust that God’s timing is perfect, even when life feels uncertain?

Retraining Our Brains Through Prayer

Did you know that prayer actually has the power to change the way we think? Recent studies in neuroscience have shown that regular prayer and meditation can rewire our brains in ways that promote greater peace, empathy, and focus.

This idea is tied to something called neuroplasticity, which is the brain's ability to reorganize itself by forming new neural connections. Dr. Richard Davidson from the University of Wisconsin conducted a study where participants prayed for 20 minutes a day for two months. The result? Their brains became more attuned to joy, empathy, and present-moment awareness.

Prayer not only deepens our connection with God, but it also has a tangible, positive impact on our mental health. It’s a tool God has given us not just for spiritual growth, but for holistic well-being.

  • Practical takeaway: Try committing to a daily practice of prayer. Just 20 minutes a day can make a noticeable difference in both your spiritual and mental health.

Shift from Technique to Relationship

One of the biggest misconceptions about prayer is that it’s all about the words you say or the technique you use. But in reality, prayer is about building a relationship with God, not mastering a self-help method. Jesus’ model of prayer shows us that it’s not about getting the words right, but about aligning our hearts with God.

Imagine your relationship with your closest friend or spouse. The depth of that relationship isn’t based on how well you communicate, but on the love and trust you share. The same goes for our relationship with God. Prayer is less about saying the "right" things and more about spending time in God’s presence, celebrating who He is.

  • Practical takeaway: Next time you pray, focus less on the structure and more on your heart posture. Are you seeking intimacy with God, or just looking for quick answers?

Silent Prayer: Finding Peace in the Stillness

One powerful form of prayer is called silent prayer, and it’s all about being in God’s presence without an agenda. Instead of filling the time with requests or words, silent prayer encourages us to simply sit with God and listen.

Psalms 139:23-24 (NIV) says, "Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts." Silent prayer is a way to invite God into those anxious thoughts and allow Him to bring peace.

Here are some steps to practicing silent prayer:

  1. Focus on relationship – Let go of the need to perform or achieve something in prayer.

  2. Normalize boredom – Don’t expect every prayer session to feel exciting or profound. Embrace the stillness.

  3. Reframe distractions – If your mind wanders, gently bring it back by simply saying, "Here I am, God."

  4. Remember God’s open arms – Know that God is always waiting to meet you in that place of silence.

  • Practical takeaway: Try setting aside just five minutes each day for silent prayer. Don’t worry about doing it "right." Just sit in God’s presence.

Bold Prayers, Big Prayers

Jesus encourages us to ask God for the impossible. "And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors" (Matthew 6:12, NIV) highlights a vital part of prayer—seeking forgiveness and extending forgiveness. But Jesus also teaches us to pray for bold things, things that only God can accomplish.

Mark Batterson, in his book Circle Maker, says that "the greatest tragedy in life is the prayers that go unanswered because they go unasked." Sometimes, we don’t ask God for big things because we’re afraid of disappointment or we feel undeserving. But God calls us to be bold, to pray for things that go beyond our control or understanding.

  • Practical takeaway: What’s one big, audacious prayer you’ve been hesitant to pray? Bring that request to God this week, trusting that He is more than capable of answering it in His way and time.

Are Your Prayers Changing Your Situation or Your Life?

One of the most profound questions to ask about prayer is whether it’s changing your life or just your circumstances. Sometimes, the goal of prayer isn’t for God to change the situation but to change us in the midst of it. That’s why Jesus included the line, "lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one" (Matthew 6:13, NIV). It's a reminder that prayer shapes us and helps us resist temptation.

Are you allowing your prayers to mold you into a person more like Christ? Are they helping you grow in patience, kindness, humility, and love? Or are your prayers primarily focused on immediate relief from life’s challenges?

  • Practical takeaway: Evaluate your prayer life. Is your primary goal transformation or transaction? How can you shift your focus toward becoming more like Jesus?

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Kara Veach
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