Hexagon of Prayer
Teach us to Pray.
In Matthew 6 and Luke 11 Jesus’ Disciples came to Him and asked, “Lord, teach us to pray.” In their moment of humbleness, Jesus laid out for them a model prayer that offered praise, thanksgiving, confession, and honor to our heavenly Father. This tool offers an opportunity for those who may need help in praying honest and powerful prayers to connect with the Father like never before.
Use this video to teach your group about the Prayer Hexagon.
Purpose: This tool is an intentional separation of six key components of the Lord’s prayer in Matthew 6. As we reflect on this model prayer we are given a template to follow if we are struggling with the how and what of our prayer lives.
Scriptures:
Matthew 6:9-13 - The Lord’s Prayer
Luke 11:1-4 - The Lord’s Prayer
Philippians 4:6 - Need for Prayer
Colossians 4:2 - Devote yourself to Prayer
Teach:
Read: Matthew 6:9-13
Matthew 6:9-13 - "This, then, is how you should pray: " 'Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. And forgive us our debts as we also have forgiven our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.
Say: “As Jesus led his disciples through this prayer He gives 6 intentional categories in which we can pray. If we are struggling in our prayer life this gives us a template of how and what we should also pray.”
Lead your group around the Hexagon and explain each “leg” of the tool to them as seen below.
CHARACTER - v. 9
Our Father, who art in heaven,
hallowed be thy name;
The Lord is Holy, meaning that he is set apart from anything and everything. We will start our prayer by celebrating and acknowledging His character.
KINGDOM - v. 10
…thy kingdom come;
thy will be done; on earth as it is in heaven.
The Lord wants to breakthrough or “bring kingdom” here on earth just as he does in heaven.
PROVISION - v. 11
Give us this day our daily bread.
The Lord has proven his faithfulness in multiple ways. We are taken care of in the hands of our Lord. He desires what it best for us and will provide all that we need…daily!
FORGIVENESS - v. 12
And forgive us our trespasses,
as we forgive those who trespass against us.
The Lord offers and gives each of us forgiveness. Do we have that same heart of forgiveness for those that have come against us?
GUIDANCE - v. 13a
And lead us not into temptation;
The Lord allows us an amazing opportunity to walk under His guidance. When we acknowledge Him as Lord we are allowing Him to lead our lives as He desires.
PROTECTION - v. 13b
…but deliver us from evil.
We each have an enemy that is battling against us and what God wants to do in our lives. The evil one wants to stop or hamper you from advancing the kingdom. Allowing The Lord to be on the front lines helps us to know that the battle has already been won.
…For thine is the kingdom,
the power and the glory,
for ever and ever.
Amen.
Amen means - “May it be so”
Group Action Steps:
Have each member of your group draw and complete the Prayer Hexagon as you read together. Place the category on the outside of the shape and the verses on the inside of the shape. As a group, come up with a few examples in each category that you are reading. Below are a few questions to get the conversation started.
CHARACTER
Questions to ask: How great is God to you?
What is the greatness of our God?
What troubles do you have that can compare to the greatness of our God?
KINGDOM
Questions to ask: What does it mean to have kingdom here on earth?
How can you bring kingdom to those around you?
PROVISION
Questions to ask: Has the Lord ever dropped you?
Has he supplied and all your needs to this point?
How has He proven himself faithful in your life?
FORGIVENESS
***Note that forgiveness does not come first. God desires for us to acknowledge Him, his holiness, His Kingdom Work and Provision before we come to him with our repentance.
Questions to ask? In what ways do you need to repent (ask for forgiveness) today?
Who are you holding a grudge against today?Who do you need to forgive?
Do you have unresolved conflict with anyone that might be affecting your closeness with the Father?
GUIDANCE
Questions to ask: What temptations are you currently facing?
What areas of life are you allowing the Lord to lead? Not lead?
PROTECTION
Questions to ask: How is he currently protecting you from?
What are you currently battling or facing?
Closing Questions to ask:
Can we spend the next six days praying one of these categories each day?
Is there anything right now that we need to stop and prayer over?