«He who says he abides in Him ought himself also to walk just as He walked» (1 John 2:6).
“JESUS HIMSELF, while He dwelt among men, was often in prayer. Our Savior identified Himself with our needs and weakness, in that He became a suppliant, a petitioner, seeking from His Father fresh supplies of strength, that He might come forth braced for duty and trial. He is our example in all things…. His humanity made prayer a necessity and a privilege.
He found comfort and joy in communion with His Father. And if the Saviour of men, the Son of God, felt the need of prayer, how much more should feeble, sinful mortals feel the necessity of fervent, constant prayer» (White, Steps to Christ, ch. 11, pp. 93—94). Obviously, we have much more of a need, specially to learn to pray as Jesus prayed, since He is our Example.
The disciples were accustomed to seeing Jesus praying and knew that from that life of prayer came His power; so, on one occasion, «Jesus was praying in a certain place. When he finished, one of His disciples said to Him, ‘Lord, teach us to pray»‘ (Luke 11:1, NIV).»So He said to them,’ When you pray, say: «Our Father in heaven, hallowed be Your name, Your kingdom come. Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us day by day our daily bread. And forgive us our sins, for we also forgive everyone who is indebted to us. And do not lead us into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one»” verses 2—4, NKJV). Let us take a look at the keys to the prayer that Jesus taught us:
Be intimate with God, your «Father.» “That is what prayer is all about, a moment of intimate communication with the heavenly Father.
Differentiate who He is and who you are, for His name is holy while we ate created beings.
Ask first for the heavenly things, above all, for salvation.
When presenting your petitions, keep in mind that the best for you is to do His will, because He is the One who really knows what is best for you.
Ask Him to provide for your material needs while you focus on living a life of faith that brings Him honor.
Ask Him to teach you to practice forgiveness, so He can forgive you as well.