Essential Elements of Prayer

7 “And when you pray, do not heap up empty phrases as the Gentiles do, for they think that they will be heard for their many words. 8 Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him.9 Pray then like this:

“Our Father in heaven,
hallowed be your name.
10 Your kingdom come,
your will be done,
    on earth as it is in heaven.
11 Give us this day our daily bread,
12 and forgive us our debts,
    as we also have forgiven our debtors.
13 And lead us not into temptation,    but deliver us from evil. (Matthew 6)

The disciples had seen Jesus go to prayer over and over again. Sometimes they heard what He said; sometimes they did not.  But they knew His times talking with His Father were essential to His life. What was it about the way Jesus prayed that made a difference?  First, a Real, Respectful Relationship.  Reverence with trust - a commitment to do what Dad says, knowing that He only wants what is best for me.  Second, sincere submission.  It follows that one who really trusts his Father will not only do what His Father says, but also want to know - to not have to be told.  These first two lead to the third: total dependence - asking and believing that God knows what we need and will provide it; He will not hold back.  Fourth is Forgiveness with no adjectives, no strings attached. Willingly admitting our sin, and freely forgiving others as we have been forgiven. Finally, a Desire to Please- to live our lives in purity, holiness and victory when the enemy seeks to pull us away from our Father and His will. The essential elements of prayer.  Does it resemble what we have been doing?