Podcasts about teach us to pray

In this episode of the KC Underground podcast, Brian and Cory are joined by Todd Kangas, disciple-maker and prayer practitioner, for a conversation about healing prayer, hearing God's voice, and the courage to step into the mission of Jesus. As part of the Teach Us to Pray series, Todd reflects on a lifetime of learning to pray with expectancy—from his own conversion during the Jesus Movement to decades of praying for healing in workplaces, gyms, neighborhoods, and everyday conversations. Along the way, he shares stories of God's faithfulness while honestly wrestling with the mystery of unanswered prayers and the reality of suffering.This episode explores how prayer flows from a deep confidence in God's love and an identity rooted in Christ. Todd, Brian, and Cory discuss listening prayer, overcoming the fear of man, and the simple obedience of joining the Holy Spirit wherever He is already at work.

From our July 19, 2026 service. 

The foundation of prayer is too often thin and fragile. Without prayer, we are misaligned and reliant on our own strength. Prayer ministry is not for the chosen few, but it is for everyone. How and what do we pray? Today we talk about the Jesus model of prayer and how it helps us.

Cornerstone Community Church, Lynchburg VA

We're starting a new series, Teach Us To Pray. Over the next few weeks, we'll look at some of the rhythms of prayer and how to persist when heaven feels silent. This week, we're exploring Luke 11:1-13 and Ephesians 6:18, and laying the foundations for the series. Here's a link to the video shown: https://prayercourse.org/session/why-pray/

Prayer is vitally important for the Christian. Without it, you can hardly call yourself a Christian.

Powerful Prayers - Week 1Sunday, July 12th 2026

In this episode of the KC Underground podcast, Brian and Cory are joined by Tim Schuck, director of Novo's Activating Prayer Cohort and host of the Called Beyond podcast, for a conversation about prayer as a lived relationship with God. As part of the Teach Us to Pray series, Tim shares his own unexpected story of how a skeptical homebuilder encountered Jesus through a simple listening prayer exercise—an experience that reshaped his understanding of God's voice and ultimately redirected the course of his life and ministry.More than a conversation about prayer techniques, this episode explores what happens when ordinary followers of Jesus begin to embrace their identity as sons and daughters of God who are invited to hear His voice and join His mission. Tim, Brian, and Cory reflect on listening prayer, spiritual authority, identity, and the everyday practice of partnering with the Holy Spirit beyond the walls of the church. Through stories of awakening, disciple-making, and faithful obedience, this episode offers an invitation to move beyond simply believing that God speaks and into the adventure of listening, responding, and discovering the unique calling He has placed on every life.

Many young people experience intense pressure, stress, and worry over their performance. In this episode of Teach Us to Pray - Season 2, Fr. Joe offers practical and spiritual guidance on how to prepare for exams in a way that centers on faith, resilience, and peace. This episode is full of tips for anyone facing exams. Be sure to watch to the end for a special prayer for all students in need of strength, clarity, and God's peace.

In this inspiring episode of Teach Us to Pray, Fr. Joseph Abraham, C.Ss.R., explores the intersection of faith and physical health, offering practical and spiritual guidance for those navigating medical procedures or illness. Discover how to surrender your anxieties to God, find strength in prayer during difficult times, and embrace the healing power of the sacraments. 

Drawing from the wisdom of Scripture and the teachings of the Church, Fr. Joseph Abraham, C.Ss.R., offers practical steps to turn our worries into opportunities for deeper trust in God's love and providence. Learn how to embrace the peace of Christ through prayer, even in the midst of life's uncertainties. Key Takeaways: Turning anxiety into prayerful surrender. Trusting in God's plan amidst uncertainties. Finding peace and calm through the gifts of the Holy Spirit. 

St. Catherine of Siena, a 14th Century Saint had a great influence on Pope Gregory XI, speaking her mind freely and prophetically. Catherine wrote about her mystical experience of God in her book, 'DIALOGUE' in which she recognises God as 'Gentle Truth' and one who is 'Mad in Love'. Learn more about this great saint and her spirituality and prayer along with Fr. Larry Kaufmann, C.Ss.R., on our series 'Teach Us to Pray.'

This episode offers a comforting, biblical perspective on how to maintain your connection with God even during times of deep spiritual dryness or reluctance. Discover how to transform your silence, resistance, and pain into a sincere act of faith by simply surrendering your current state to a God who perfectly understands and is always present, even when you feel like you have nothing left to give.

In this heartfelt episode of Teach Us to Pray, Fr. Joseph Abraham, C.Ss.R., explores simple, transformative ways to enrich your spiritual life using the power of Scripture. Whether you are repeating the name of Jesus, praying with the innocence of a child, or finding peace in the silence, this guide offers practical steps to move beyond rigid formulas and cultivate a genuine, living dialogue with the Divine.

Discover how to deepen your prayer life by reflecting on the raw and honest emotions of the Prophet Jeremiah. In this episode of Teach Us to Pray, Fr. Joseph Abraham, C.Ss.R., guides you through Jeremiah's powerful lamentations and confessions, showing how you can embrace your own feelings of frustration, despair, and confusion to build a more authentic, heart-to-heart relationship with God.

Discover how the biblical journey of Job offers a profound roadmap for our own spiritual lives in this moving reflection. Fr. Joseph Abraham, C.Ss.R., explores how Job's raw, honest prayers—ranging from deep lament and doubt to ultimate surrender—teach us that true faith isn't about having all the answers, but about maintaining a heart-to-heart connection with God even in our darkest moments of suffering.

 Did you know that Pope St. John XXIII, the Pope who inaugurated the Second Vatican Council, composed a beautiful prayer for peace? Learn this prayer in a new episode of Teach Us Pray with Fr. Larry Kauffmann, a veteran Redemptorist and anti-apartheid hero from South Africa.

Discover how to navigate the profound struggle of forgiveness in this moving episode of Teach Us to Pray. Fr. Joseph Abraham, C.Ss.R., offers compassionate guidance on moving past deep hurts by turning to God's grace, learning to surrender our ego, and embracing the liberating power of mercy. Whether you're wrestling with broken relationships or personal pain, this reflection provides the spiritual tools you need to find healing, peace, and the courage to let go.

This episode explores the transformative power of prayer in patience, showing how the waiting process isn't just about delay, but an invitation to deepen your faith. Through the inspiring stories of biblical figures like Abraham, Job, and Moses, Fr. Joseph Abraham, C.Ss.R., reveals how patient endurance can turn anxiety into peace, reminding us that God is actively working in our lives—even when we cannot see the immediate results.

Discover the profound beauty of spiritual childhood through the life and teachings of St. Therese of Lisieux. In this inspiring episode of Teach Us to Pray, explore how the 'Little Flower' transformed her faith by embracing total dependence on God and discovering that love is the ultimate vocation—a simple yet life-changing lesson on how to make love loved in every aspect of our daily prayers and actions.

Mary, our Mother, is the model of prayer. She teaches us many lessons for our lives, but her way of praying is something we are called to ponder and learn from. Her prayerful life kept her faithful, alive, and active in fulfilling her vocation as the Mother of the Redeemer. In this final episode of Teach Us to Pray, we reflect on Mary as the model of prayer. Learn more about this great saint, her spirituality, and her life of prayer with Fr. Larry Kaufmann, C.Ss.R., in our series Teach Us to Pray.

Fr. Thomas Merton was an American Trappist monk, renowned spiritual writer, theologian, mystic, poet, social activist, and scholar of comparative religion. Fr. Larry Kaufmann, C.Ss.R., shares a glimpse of his life and work and leads us in a short prayer written by Fr. Merton. Catch this latest episode of Teach Us to Pray on @RMCBangalore.

Discover the profound spiritual legacy of St. Teresa Benedicta of the Cross in this moving episode of our 'Teach Us to Pray' series. Fr. Larry Kaufmann, C.Ss.R., explores her remarkable journey from a brilliant philosopher to a Carmelite nun, tracing how her lifelong pursuit of truth led her to embrace the cross and ultimate sacrifice. We reflect on her powerful 'Prayer of Abandonment' to find inspiration in surrender and deep trust in God's guidance through life's darkest hours.

Join Fr. Larry Kaufmann, C.Ss.R., as he explores the profound life and spiritual wisdom of St. Teresa of Avila in this episode of Teach Us to Pray. Discover the power of abandonment, learn how the saints surrendered to God's providence through life's challenges, and reflect on her timeless 'bookmark' poem—a beautiful guide to finding peace and trusting that, with God, you truly have everything you need.

Discover the profound spirituality of St. Charles de Foucauld in this episode of Teach Us to Pray, as Fr. Larry Kaufmann, C.Ss.R., explores the saint's journey from a life of privilege and military service to his humble, hidden existence as a hermit in the Sahara Desert. Through his inspiring story and his celebrated 'Prayer of Abandonment,' you will learn how to embrace a life of silent presence, radical humility, and brotherly love toward all, reflecting the hidden years of Jesus in Nazareth.

Elevate your devotional life with this practical guide from Fr. Larry Kaufmann, C.Ss.R., as he unfolds a 12-step structured approach to a meaningful Holy Hour. Whether you have a full hour or just a few quiet minutes, this roadmap—spanning from stillness and scripture to intercession and surrender—offers a powerful way to deepen your intentional connection with God.

In Episode 4 of Teach Us to Pray, Fr. Larry Kaufmann, C.Ss.R., invites us to learn the method of "praying at all times" taught by St. John Cassian in the first centuries of Christianity.  We learn how to transform every breath into a profound, meditative prayer, using simple phrases and mindful breathing to remain in God's presence no matter how busy your day becomes.

Experience a new depth in your spiritual life with this exploration of imaginative prayer. Fr. Larry Kaufmann, C.Ss.R., draws upon the wisdom of St. Ignatius of Loyola and St. Teresa of Avila to teach you how to step directly into the stories of the Gospel. By imagining yourself as a participant in these sacred narratives—such as the moving encounter at the well—you will learn how to turn your inner reflections into a heartfelt and personal conversation with God.

Unlock a deeper spiritual connection through Lectio Divina, the ancient Benedictine practice of prayer, in this episode of Teach Us to Pray. Fr. Larry Kaufmann guides you through the four essential, heart-centered steps—reading, meditation, prayer, and contemplation—designed to help you quiet the distractions of modern life, cultivate sacred silence, and learn the transformative art of listening to God.

Deepen your spiritual life through familiar, heart-centered prayer as Fr. Larry Kaufmann, C.Ss.R., launches the Teach Us to Pray series, drawing on the profound wisdom of St. Alphonsus Liguori. This inviting session encourages you to move beyond rigid routine into a genuine, conversational friendship with God, utilizing the transformative questions of Jesus from the Gospels to address your innermost fears and nurture a loving, daily dialogue with your Creator.

 Join Fr. Joe Abraham, C.Ss.R., in this new season of Teach Us to Pray, where we dive deeper into the heart of prayer and how it transforms our daily lives. In the first episode, "Prayer at the start of a New Career," Fr. Joe guides us through seeking God's grace and direction as we embark on new professional journeys. Whether you're starting a new job, switching careers, or simply seeking God's will in your work, this prayerful reflection will inspire and empower you to invite God's presence into every step.

First Wednesday July 8th, 2026

In this episode of the KC Underground podcast, Brian and Cory are joined by Zach Duke, disciple-maker and movement leader, for a conversation that weaves together prayer, obedience, and an unexpected journey onto the soccer field. As part of the Teach Us to Pray series, Zach shares the remarkable story of how a simple prompting from Jesus led him from years of illness and discouragement into a season of radical obedience—one that eventually opened doors to professional soccer, international competition, and disciple-making opportunities around the world.More than a story about sports, this conversation explores what happens when ordinary people learn to listen for the voice of God and respond with simple faithfulness. Zach reflects on lessons learned through prayer, the practice of hearing God's voice, and the power of priestly prayer to bless, protect, and intercede for others. Through stories of transformation, disciple-making, and unexpected encounters with God, this episode offers a vision of a life shaped by prayerful dependence and courageous obedience.

Ernest Smith

In this message, Coleton concludes the Lord's Prayer series by focusing on one of the most overlooked phrases Jesus ever taught us to pray: "Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one." (Matthew 6:13) Many Christians are comfortable praying for daily needs, forgiveness, or God's will, but often neglect this final request. Yet Jesus intentionally ends His model prayer by teaching His followers to pray against spiritual evil. Coleton explains that this isn't reserved for unusually spiritual Christians or for a specific period of history—it is meant to become a normal part of every believer's prayer life. Using Scripture, historical examples, and practical application, Coleton reminds us that while Christians should never seek out spiritual warfare, we are also never called to ignore it. Instead, Jesus gives us a weapon: prayer. Through prayer, we ask God to fight for us, protect us, and advance His kingdom against the kingdom of darkness. Jesus Teaches Us that Prayer is Spiritual Warfare Coleton opens with a story from his father, who taught him never to start a fight—but if one became unavoidable, fight hard enough that the enemy would never forget it. He uses that illustration to explain Jesus' teaching. Jesus isn't telling Christians to obsess over demons or look for spiritual battles everywhere. Instead, He is preparing His followers for the reality that they already live in a spiritual war. Prayer is how believers fight. The Lord's Prayer gradually teaches us how to approach God: Our Father — Remember who you are talking to. Hallowed be Your Name — Worship Him and remember His greatness. Your Kingdom Come — Ask God to display His rule and goodness on earth. Give Us Daily Bread — Trust Him to provide what you need. Forgive Us Our Debts — Confess sin and receive His grace. Deliver Us from the Evil One — Ask God to protect you and defeat the enemy. Coleton points out that Jesus intentionally ends His model prayer here. That means fighting spiritual evil isn't an optional part of Christianity—it is part of ordinary Christian prayer. Bible Passage Matthew 6:9–13 1. Jesus Knows This Is What Is Really Wrong with the World Coleton explains that beneath every broken relationship, every injustice, every war, every addiction, every lie, and every act of rebellion lies a deeper spiritual problem. Jesus did not primarily come to overthrow governments or fix political systems. He came to destroy the works of Satan. The greatest enemy of humanity isn't another nation, another political party, another religion, or another group of people. The deepest problem is sin and the spiritual kingdom of darkness that opposes God's purposes. This explains why so much of Jesus' earthly ministry involved confronting demons, healing people oppressed by evil, and setting captives free. Rather than teaching His followers to hate people, Jesus commanded them to: Love their enemies. Pray for those who persecute them. Turn the other cheek. But when it comes to Satan and spiritual evil, Jesus tells believers to fight. Coleton spends time explaining Daniel 10, where Daniel prayed for understanding for twenty-one days. God immediately heard his prayer, yet an angel was delayed because of conflict with spiritual powers described as the "Prince of Persia." This passage offers a glimpse behind the curtain of history. Events on earth often reflect a much greater conflict taking place in the unseen spiritual realm. Paul teaches the same reality in Ephesians: our true struggle is never against flesh and blood. That changes how Christians view the world. Instead of seeing people as the enemy, we begin praying against the spiritual forces influencing hearts, cultures, governments, and communities. Bible Passages Matthew 6:13 1 John 3:8 Daniel 10 Ephesians 6:12 Quotes "Spiritual beings are associated with nation-states... Michael fights for God's people, while the prince of Persia is a demonic power." — D.A. Carson "Daniel was learning that the ultimate power struggle was fought out in a realm of which most people know nothing... the world crises we see are reflections of an older, more ruthless conflict." — Sinclair Ferguson 2. Jesus Knows Every Believer Will Experience Spiritual Conflict Coleton reminds us that no one escapes spiritual warfare. Whether someone believes in Christ or not, the enemy is active. For unbelievers, Satan blinds people from seeing the beauty of the gospel. This explains why many reject Christ despite God's incredible offer of mercy. For believers, conversion does not end the battle. In many ways, it begins a new one. Peter warns Christians that the devil prowls like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Paul tells believers to put on the armor of God because spiritual conflict is inevitable. Coleton carefully avoids extremes. He reminds the church that not every hardship is caused by demons. Not every sickness... Not every temptation... Not every mental illness... Not every difficult circumstance... The Bible teaches that sometimes our own sinful desires lead us into temptation. Other times physical problems simply require ordinary wisdom and medical care. Still, Scripture clearly teaches that Satan actively seeks to: tempt believers toward sin, accuse them with guilt, destroy marriages, create division, attack families, discourage God's people, oppose God's work, and steal joy, peace, hope, and confidence in God. Because Jesus knows His followers will encounter spiritual opposition, He teaches them to pray for God's protection regularly. Bible Passages 2 Corinthians 4:4 1 Peter 5:8 Ephesians 6:10–13 Matthew 4 Mark 5 Matthew 9 Matthew 12 Luke 13 Matthew 15 Matthew 16 Mark 9 Acts 5 Luke 22 John 10:10 Quotes "After a man is converted... Satan gathers all his forces... because he cannot bear to lose his subjects." — Charles Spurgeon 3. Jesus Wants Us to Fight—and Prayer Is One of Our Greatest Weapons Coleton emphasizes that prayer is much more than bringing requests to God. Prayer is warfare. Paul teaches that Christians do not fight with worldly weapons but with weapons empowered by God to destroy spiritual strongholds. Coleton reminds us of the story where the disciples could not cast a demon out of a boy. When they asked Jesus why they failed, Jesus answered that this kind only comes out through prayer. Prayer is not powerless. Prayer invites the power of God into spiritual battles that human strength can never win. The Christian does not defeat darkness through cleverness, politics, anger, intimidation, or force. We fight by depending upon: the Holy Spirit, God's Word, faith, and prayer. Bible Passages 2 Corinthians 10:3–4 Matthew 17 (or Mark 9 parallel) Quotes "Christians can wage a successful campaign in the spiritual realm only when they abandon human resources and totally rely on spiritual weapons." — D.A. Carson "We must all practice violence... he who prays is fighting against the devil." — Martin Luther "While others fight, Christians pray." — Origen How Should Christians Respond? After explaining why Jesus included this prayer, Coleton gives several practical responses. Live with Awareness, Not Fear Christians should recognize spiritual warfare without becoming frightened by it. Jesus has already defeated Satan through His death and resurrection. Believers are filled with the Holy Spirit, and God's Spirit is infinitely greater than the enemy. Every time demons encountered Jesus in the Gospels, they were terrified of Him—not the other way around. Bible Passage 1 John 4:4 Pray for Discernment Coleton warns against seeing demons behind every inconvenience. The Bible teaches balance. Sometimes problems are spiritual. Sometimes they are physical. Sometimes they arise from our own sinful desires. Believers need wisdom to recognize the difference rather than becoming fearful or superstitious. Bible Passages James 1 1 Timothy 5:23 Know the Scriptures When Jesus faced Satan's temptations in the wilderness, He answered every attack with Scripture. God's Word is called the sword of the Spirit because truth defeats lies. The better Christians know God's Word, the better prepared they are to resist temptation and deception. Bible Passages Matthew 4 Ephesians 6 James 4:7 Make This Prayer Part of Your Daily Life Coleton challenges the church to actually pray the prayer Jesus taught. Pray for: your marriage, your children, your workplace, your church, your community, your city, your government, and everyone God has entrusted to your care. The power is not in our words. The power is in the God to whom we pray. Quote "Satan dreads nothing but prayer... He laughs at our toil... but he trembles when we pray." — Samuel Chadwick Persevere in the Battle Coleton closes with an illustration from the final days of World War II. After realizing Germany had lost, Hitler issued the Nero Decree, ordering the destruction of his own nation's infrastructure so the Allies could not benefit from it. Though defeated, he sought to cause as much destruction as possible before the end. Coleton compares this to Satan. The cross and resurrection settled the outcome. Jesus has already won. Satan knows his defeat is certain. Until Christ returns, however, he seeks to steal, kill, destroy, and create as much devastation as possible. That is why Christians must not become discouraged when they experience spiritual opposition. Spiritual conflict is not necessarily evidence that you are outside God's will. Often, it is evidence that God's kingdom is advancing through your life—and the enemy wants to stop it. Jesus has already won the victory. Now He invites His followers to participate in that victory through faithful, persistent prayer. Discipleship Group Questions Why do you think Jesus chose to end the Lord's Prayer with, "Deliver us from the evil one"? What does that reveal about the Christian life? How does understanding that "our struggle is not against flesh and blood" change the way we view difficult people, cultural conflicts, or personal hardships? Coleton emphasized that not every difficulty is spiritual warfare, but some certainly is. How can Christians grow in discernment without becoming fearful or overly focused on the demonic? Which of the practical responses challenged you the most: living without fear, praying for discernment, knowing Scripture, praying regularly against spiritual evil, or persevering? Why? What specific people, places, or situations in your life need to become part of your regular prayer for God's protection and deliverance from the evil one? Culture of Gospel Share this with someone in your life who doesn't know Jesus Every one of us senses that something is deeply broken in the world—and often within ourselves. Jesus teaches that the answer isn't simply trying harder, but trusting the One who has already defeated the deepest source of evil and invites us to live in His victory, freedom, and peace.

Teach Us to Pray: Jesus' High Priestly Prayer In our concluding session of "Truth Worth Living," we delve into the profound insights of Jesus' High Priestly Prayer, specifically focusing on John 17:20-26. This prayer, offered by Jesus in the upper room before His arrest, is a testament to His love and vision for His followers. The Vision of Unity Central to Jesus' prayer is the theme of unity among believers. He envisions a community that mirrors the divine unity of the Trinity—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. This unity is not merely a call for harmony but a strategic alignment against the forces of darkness. Jesus emphasizes that we, as His followers, are not on the defensive; instead, we are called to actively engage and advance the kingdom of light. The Call to Action Jesus' prayer is a clarion call to action. Just as Admiral Bill Halsey urged his commanders in World War II to "strike," Jesus calls us to strike against the kingdom of darkness. This proactive stance requires us to embody the unity and love that characterize the Trinity. The Essence of Trinitarian Unity The unity Jesus prays for is rooted in Trinitarian fellowship—an absence of selfish ambition and competition. He desires that this divine harmony be reflected in the Body of Christ. The Apostle Paul echoes this sentiment in his letter to the Romans, where he explains that each member of the Body belongs to all the others. This unity is achieved through love and mutual service, prioritizing the success and preferences of others over our own. Reflecting Divine Love To mirror the unity of the Trinity, love must abound among us. Love compels us to serve others, to seek their success, and to put their preferences above our own. This selfless love is the first step in reflecting Trinitarian fellowship within the Church. Utilizing Our Gifts Another aspect of this unity is the commitment to God's mission. Just as the Trinity functions with different roles to accomplish divine purposes, believers are called to use their unique gifts to build up the Church. This cooperative effort glorifies God and spreads His love and light in the world. A Vision Worth Pursuing Jesus prayed that our unity and love would distinguish us from the darkness of the world. His vision is for us to embody the perfect fellowship found in the Trinity. This is a vision worth pursuing—a truth worth living. Conclusion As we conclude this series, we are reminded of the power of unity and love in advancing God's kingdom. Jesus' High Priestly Prayer is a powerful reminder of our calling to reflect divine unity and love in our lives. As we go on a summer sabbatical, let us carry this vision in our hearts, ready to return with renewed purpose and passion. May God bless you and keep you, and may His face shine upon you, granting you peace. We look forward to continuing our journey together after Labor Day with more "Truth Worth Living."

In this episode of the KC Underground podcast, Brian and Cory are joined by Lissa Hinman, a disciple-making leader with Phoenix Underground and New Generations, whose life and ministry have been shaped by a growing passion for movement prayer. Together, they continue the Teach Us to Pray series by exploring the connection between prayer, spiritual formation, and the advancement of God's kingdom. Lissa shares from her own journey of helping catalyze prayer across North America, offering insight into what it means to move beyond viewing prayer as a secondary practice and instead see it as the starting point—the spearhead—of everything God is doing.This conversation invites us to consider prayer not only as a personal discipline, but as participation in a spiritual battle where disciples are formed and movements begin. Lissa emphasizes the importance of starting with our own lives—learning to discern distractions, walk in obedience, and engage God with simple, faithful steps. As the conversation unfolds, the invitation becomes clear: prayer is not reserved for the experienced or the equipped, but for anyone willing to step into relationship with Jesus and join Him in what He is already doing.

Pastor Josh continues our sermon series, Teach Us to Pray. With this Sunday's theme, God the Provider and His Provisions.

Jonny Sharp

This is week three of this summer's Table Talk series on the Spiritual Discipines. This time we are focused on the importance of prayer. You can watch this message here.

Teach Us to Pray: Lessons from Jesus' High Priestly Prayer In this episode of "Truth Worth Living," we delve into the profound teachings of Jesus' high priestly prayer as recorded in John 17. This prayer, offered in the upper room before Jesus' arrest and crucifixion, provides deep insights into the nature of prayer and the mission of believers in the world. Jesus' Joy Amidst Trials One of the most striking aspects of Jesus' prayer is His joy despite the impending trials. As He prays for Himself, His disciples, and future believers, Jesus demonstrates a profound sense of joy. This joy is not just for Himself but is a gift He desires for His disciples, knowing that it will be their strength in the challenging times ahead. John 17:13 highlights this: "...that they may have a full measure of my joy within them." Protection from the Evil One Jesus acknowledges the hatred His disciples will face from the world because they are not of the world, just as He is not. His prayer is not for their removal from the world but for their protection from the evil one. This is crucial because the world's hatred manifests in two primary attacks: fear and doubt. Fear: If disciples fear the world or the evil one more than God, they might retreat from their mission. Doubt: If they doubt the truth they believe in, their light dims, leaving the world in darkness. Jesus' prayer in John 17:15 is a plea for divine protection: "My prayer is not that you take them out of the world but that you protect them from the evil one." The Call to Sanctification Sanctification is a central theme in Jesus' prayer. He prays for His disciples to be sanctified by the truth, emphasizing that "Your word is truth" (John 17:17). Sanctification is the process of being set apart for a divine purpose, and it is through this that disciples are prepared to face the world's challenges. Jesus underscores that just as He was sent into the world, He is sending His disciples into the world with a mission. Their sanctification is essential for them to fulfill their kingdom-building purpose. He concludes this part of the prayer by affirming His own sanctification for their sake, ensuring they too may be truly sanctified (John 17:19). Conclusion: A Truth Worth Living The high priestly prayer of Jesus encapsulates the essence of living a life of faith amidst a challenging world. It is a call to embrace joy, seek protection from spiritual adversaries, and pursue sanctification through truth. Jesus' prayer is a testament to His love and commitment to His disciples and all future believers. As we reflect on this powerful prayer, we are reminded of the strength and joy that come from a life rooted in Christ. May we, like the disciples, be sanctified by the truth and equipped to shine as lights in a world that desperately needs hope. Thank you for joining this exploration of Jesus' prayer. May God bless you and keep you, and may His face shine upon you, giving you peace.

Forgive Us Our Debts Matthew 6:9–12 Culture of Gospel Share this with someone in your life who doesn't know Jesus. Most people spend their lives trying to prove they're good enough or trying to hide the parts of themselves they're ashamed of. Jesus offers something radically different: a God who already knows your worst, still loves you completely, and invites you to stop pretending and simply come home. Sermon Summary In this message, Coleton continues through the Lord's Prayer by focusing on one of the most uncomfortable—and most freeing—requests Jesus teaches us to pray: "Forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors." (Matthew 6:12) Many people assume confession is something spiritually immature Christians do. Once you've followed Jesus long enough, you shouldn't need to confess very often. Coleton challenges that assumption by showing that Jesus teaches the exact opposite. The mark of spiritual maturity is not pretending you've stopped sinning. The mark of maturity is becoming increasingly honest about your sin because you've become increasingly confident in the Father's love. Coleton begins with a simple story about a child being told to own up to a mistake. Owning our failures is difficult, but it is one of the clearest signs of maturity. The same is true spiritually. Jesus invites His followers into a regular rhythm of confession—not because God is angry with them, but because He wants them to experience His grace again and again. Tyler Staton captures this beautifully: "One of the biggest mistakes we've made in the modern church is to reimagine spiritual maturity as the need to confess less... A maturing community is a confessing community—not a church without sin, but a church without secrets." Before explaining why confession matters, Coleton highlights three important observations from Jesus' prayer. Three Things Jesus Wants Us to Notice About This Prayer 1. Confession is not the first thing Jesus tells us to pray. Jesus does not begin the Lord's Prayer with confession. He first teaches us to call God Father, to worship Him, seek His Kingdom, and ask Him for our daily needs. That order matters. God isn't waiting for us to clean ourselves up before He listens to us. He isn't withholding His love until we've confessed every failure. Coleton illustrates this with his son Teddy. He would never refuse Teddy breakfast or a hug until Teddy apologized for everything he did wrong the day before. Healthy relationships don't work that way, and neither does God's relationship with His children. Confession is something we practice within the security of being loved—not something we do to earn God's love. 2. Jesus assumes we will sin. Jesus doesn't say: "If you've sinned..." He simply teaches us to pray: "Forgive us our debts." Jesus assumes every disciple will continue battling sin. If we struggle to keep diets, New Year's resolutions, or promises to ourselves, how much more do we struggle to meet God's perfect holiness? The prayer keeps us humble by reminding us that every believer continually depends upon God's grace. 3. This prayer comes with a warning label. Perhaps the most sobering part of the prayer is this phrase: "Forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors." Coleton describes this as the "fine print" of the prayer. Every time we pray these words, we're asking God: "Forgive me the same way I've forgiven others." That should cause every Christian to examine their heart. If we refuse to forgive those who have hurt us, we're asking God to respond to us with that same unwillingness. Jesus is exposing whether His grace has truly transformed us. Grace received always becomes grace extended. 1. Jesus Wants Us to Confess So We Experience the Father's Love Many people think confession is primarily about focusing on their failures. Jesus says it's actually about experiencing God's kindness. Coleton points to one of Jesus' greatest stories—the Prodigal Son. The Father runs first. Before the son ever finishes confessing... The father runs. He hugs him. He kisses him. The embrace comes before the confession. Luke 15:20–24 "While he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion... he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him..." The son's confession lasts only a few words. The father doesn't interrogate him. He doesn't demand every detail. He doesn't shame him. Instead he interrupts him with celebration. The robe. The ring. The feast. The party. The father's joy completely overshadows the son's failure. Coleton explains that this is exactly how Jesus wants us to picture confession. Confession isn't crawling toward an angry God. It is stepping into the embrace of a Father who already loves His children. He summarizes confession in three movements: Step into the Father's affection. Acknowledge your sin. Receive the Father's joyful forgiveness and move forward. The Father never brings the son's past back up. Even when the older brother tries to, the father defends him. That is the heart of God. Bible Passage Luke 15:20–24 2. Jesus Wants Us to Run Toward God Instead of Away From Him Sin naturally produces hiding. Adam and Eve sinned, and their first instinct was to hide. We still do the same thing today. We hide behind excuses. We curate better versions of ourselves. We pretend. Jesus wants to completely reverse that instinct. Instead of hiding from God, He wants us to run toward Him. Coleton emphasizes that God is the safest person in the universe to bring your worst mistakes. There is nothing you can confess that surprises Him. Nothing that makes Him love you less. Dietrich Bonhoeffer writes: "You are a sinner, a great, desperate sinner; now come... to the God who loves you... He wants you as you are... You can hide nothing from God... with Him, you can dare to be a sinner." That phrase becomes the heart of this section: "Dare to be a sinner with God." Instead of pretending, come honestly. God promises mercy. Bible Verse 1 John 1:9 "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness." 3. Jesus Wants Confession to Break Sin's Power Over Our Lives Hidden sin grows stronger. Confessed sin begins to lose its grip. Coleton turns to David's words after his own failure. Psalm 32:3–5 David describes the physical and emotional weight of hidden sin. His strength dried up. His bones wasted away. But everything changed once he confessed. Coleton summarizes it simply: Sin in our hands leads to death. Sin placed in God's hands is put to death. Many believers spend years trying to conquer sin through sheer determination. Jesus offers a different way. Bring it into the light. Ray Ortlund says: "We don't overcome sin by heroic willpower, but by confessing them to death." Tyler Staton compares confession to visiting a doctor. Healing begins when we're honest enough to identify what's actually wrong. Confession is not humiliation. It's the pathway to healing. Bible Passage Psalm 32:3–5 4. Jesus Teaches This Prayer Because Our Debt Cannot Be Paid Any Other Way Jesus deliberately uses the language of debt. Sin creates a debt we cannot repay. Many people instinctively believe they can balance the scales. If they simply become nicer... Serve more... Give more... Work harder... Surely God will overlook the bad. Jesus completely rejects that way of thinking. He doesn't teach us to pray: "Help me work off my sins." Instead He teaches us to ask for forgiveness because forgiveness is the only solution. We cannot erase our own debt. Only Jesus can. Coleton reminds the church that admitting this requires humility. Many people cannot admit they need mercy. But everyone who does finds more grace than they ever imagined. Pete Greig writes: "There is more grace in God than there is sin in you... Pray 'forgive us our sins'... and He'll forgive you. Just like that." This is the gospel. Our debt isn't reduced. It's erased. 5. Jesus Wants Us to Ask for Forgiveness Because God Loves Forgiving People The final point may be the most beautiful. God doesn't reluctantly forgive. He delights to forgive. Forgiveness isn't something we convince Him to do. It is something He loves to do. Coleton quotes Dane Ortlund, who reminds us that Christ finds joy when sinners come to Him for mercy. Jesus endured the cross because He delighted in making sinful people clean. Coleton uses a helpful illustration. Imagine asking a bank to forgive every debt you owe. It would seem impossible. But imagine someone had already paid every dollar you owed. Walking into the bank would suddenly become an act of confidence, not desperation. That is exactly what Jesus accomplished on the cross. Our confidence isn't in ourselves. It's in the One who already paid our debt. Ray Ortlund summarizes this beautifully: "God welcomes people who keep coming back to Him for more and more and more mercy... He isn't tired, and He isn't tired of you." Because Jesus has already paid the debt, believers can continually come before the Father with confidence, knowing forgiveness is always available. How Can We Practice This Prayer? Coleton closes by giving practical ways to make confession a regular rhythm of life. 1. Pray the Lord's Prayer exactly as Jesus taught it. "Forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors." 2. Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal hidden sin. One of the Holy Spirit's ministries is conviction—not condemnation. Ask Him to lovingly reveal areas that need repentance, and respond with humble confession. 3. Pray Psalm 51 regularly. Allow David's prayer of repentance to become your own. 4. Pray the tax collector's prayer. "Lord, have mercy on me, a sinner." Jesus said this humble prayer resulted in the man going home justified before God. 5. Practice the Prayer of Examen. Spend time each day reflecting on God's presence, reviewing your day, confessing sin, and receiving His grace before ending the day. Final Challenge Coleton closes by reminding the church that confession is not weakness. It is evidence of confidence in the character of God. Every time believers confess their sins, they discover once again that God is even kinder than they imagined. Jesus teaches us to pray this prayer not because He wants us to dwell on our failures, but because He wants us to continually experience the riches of the Father's love, the freedom of forgiveness, and the transforming power of His grace. The Christian life is not about hiding your sin better. It is about bringing your sin into the light where God's mercy is greater than your failures every single time. Discipleship Group Questions Which of the five reasons Jesus gives us for practicing confession impacted you the most, and why? Coleton said that spiritual maturity is marked by more confession, not less. How does that challenge the way you normally think about spiritual growth? Are you more likely to hide your failures from God or run toward Him with them? What keeps you from being completely honest with Him? Jesus teaches us to pray, "Forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors." Is there someone you need to forgive? How does remembering God's forgiveness toward you help you extend forgiveness to others? Which of the five practical ways to practice confession (the Lord's Prayer, asking the Holy Spirit to reveal sin, Psalm 51, the tax collector's prayer, or the Prayer of Examen) would be most helpful for you to begin practicing this week, and why?  

Jacob Seay continues our sermon series, Teach Us to Pray. With this Sunday's theme: Surrendering Our Will in Favor of God's. Father's Day 2026

By Ernest Smith

How did Jesus know what to do? How did Jesus know what to pray? Jon teaches on practical ways that we can be aware of and participate in what the Spirit is doing in the lives of those around us through praying for others. Praying for Others Jon Dieter

Jeff Hickman opens a series on the Lord's Prayer with the first line, "Our father who art in heaven".

Lord Teach Us to Pray - Fr. Kyrillos Said by Saint Mary Coptic Orthodox Church, East Brunswick, NJ

In this compelling message, Pastor Sean Gleason explores what it truly means to pray, drawing from Matthew 6 and the Lord's Prayer. He unpacks how the foundation of a healthy prayer life is not about having the right words, the right volume, or the right spiritual mannerisms, it is about seeing God rightly as a good and holy Father. Pastor Sean challenges believers to stop performing in prayer and to start conversating with their Heavenly Father from a place of authentic relationship. Pastor Sean warns that the orphan spirit is one of the greatest hindrances to prayer, because when you view God as a harsh and distant master rather than a loving Father, you will either disengage from prayer altogether or use it to impress others. He calls the church to receive the spirit of adoption, because it is that spirit that causes you to cry out Abba Father and breaks every wall between you and God. This message challenges believers, and especially men, to step into the place of prayer daily, because a church that does not pray is a dead church and a family that does not pray is a dead family. Prayer is not separate from action, it is the ultimate action that bathes everything else in the power and presence of God. The vision of Mercy Culture is to take people from corporate encounters with God to daily personal encounters with God. At Mercy Culture, one of our unique characteristics is that we are a presence driven church. We are not built around any person or ministry. We are built around the presence of God. Each week, you will hear a teaching from our Lead Pastors, Les and Nikki Cody or another leader in our community. To learn more about Mercy Culture, visit https://mercyculturewaco.com