Radical Prayer
Sermon Notes
In Matthew 6:1–18, Jesus teaches His followers that prayer is not about being seen but about being known by God. The Lord’s Prayer is not just words to repeat—it’s a pattern for genuine relationship with our heavenly Father.
Brad Kirby explains how Jesus moves our focus from public religion to private devotion. In prayer, we remember who God is, depend on His provision, seek forgiveness, and ask for strength to walk in His ways.
When we pray like Jesus taught, our hearts are shaped by His presence and our lives reflect His kingdom.
Key Takeaways
Prayer is not for show; it’s an invitation to intimacy with God.
Jesus calls us to pray privately and sincerely, not for recognition.
The Lord’s Prayer is both a model and a mindset for daily dependence on God.
True prayer aligns our hearts with God’s will and purpose.
God values relationship over ritual, and He delights in our honest prayers.
Discussion Questions
Why do you think Jesus emphasizes praying in secret?
What stands out most to you about The Lord’s Prayer?
How does prayer shape your trust in God’s character and provision?
Which part of The Lord’s Prayer challenges you most right now?
How can you grow in sincerity and focus in your prayer life this week?
Transcript
The Heart Behind Prayer
In Matthew 6, Jesus continues the Sermon on the Mount by turning the spotlight from outward religion to inward devotion. He reminds His followers that prayer isn’t about performance. The Pharisees loved to pray loudly so people would notice them, but Jesus says the Father already sees and knows what’s in the heart. Real prayer happens in the quiet—when no one is watching—because that’s where relationship grows.
Brad explains that prayer isn’t a show to earn approval but a sacred space to meet with our Father. When we pray privately, we’re reminded that God is close, attentive, and present. He isn’t impressed by eloquent words; He’s moved by honest hearts.
Our Father in Heaven
Jesus begins The Lord’s Prayer with the simple phrase, “Our Father in heaven.” Every word matters. Calling God “Father” changes everything—it speaks of belonging, care, and love. We approach Him not as distant authority but as a perfect Father who welcomes His children. The word “our” reminds us that faith is never isolated; we belong to a family of believers who share one Father.
Brad notes that starting prayer with “Our Father” keeps our hearts grounded. Before we ask for anything, we remember who God is and who we are. Prayer begins in worship, not worry. It centers us on His character before our circumstances.
Your Kingdom Come, Your Will Be Done
Jesus teaches us to pray that God’s kingdom and will would rule on earth as in heaven. That means surrendering our own plans and trusting His. Prayer aligns us with God’s purpose—it shapes us more than it changes our situations.
Brad reminds us that this line invites us to live with open hands. We pray for His will not because ours doesn’t matter, but because His will is better. Radical prayer doesn’t ask God to bless our agenda; it asks Him to make us part of His.
Give Us Today Our Daily Bread
Jesus invites us to bring our daily needs before the Father. Prayer isn’t only about the big things—it’s about the everyday moments where we depend on God for strength, provision, and peace. Asking for “daily bread” is a way of saying, “Lord, I trust You to sustain me today.”
Brad points out that this request trains our hearts in dependence. We don’t need to carry tomorrow’s worries; we can rest in the grace God gives for today. A healthy prayer life stays simple: trust God one day at a time.
Forgive Us and Lead Us
The prayer ends with confession and guidance. Jesus teaches us to ask for forgiveness and to extend that same grace to others. Prayer is where we release resentment and remember the mercy we’ve received.
Brad explains that forgiveness keeps our hearts free and soft. As we ask God to lead us away from temptation, we’re reminded that following Him isn’t about perfection—it’s about direction. We stay close to the Father who rescues, restores, and renews.
Living the Prayer
When Jesus finished teaching, He didn’t give a ritual to repeat; He gave a rhythm for living. The Lord’s Prayer shapes how we relate to God and others every day. It keeps us humble, dependent, and full of faith.
Brad closes by reminding us that prayer is not about the right words but the right heart. When we pray like Jesus taught, we move from performance to presence—from empty religion to vibrant relationship. Radical prayer changes how we talk with God and how we live for Him.
