Matthew 6:9 NLT Context
This verse comes to us from Jesus’ famous Sermon on the Mount, which begins in Matthew chapter 5. With his disciples gathered around him, Jesus sat down on the mountainside and began teaching the crowds that had come to hear him teach.
In this sermon, he covered a wide range of topics, from Jewish law to anger, giving to the needy, prayer, and more.
“Pray Like This: Our Father In Heaven”
Matthew 6:9 NLT Meaning
Jesus started his teaching about prayer in Matthew 6:5. Here, he explains that prayer is an intimate conversation we have with our Father.
And even though God knows exactly what we need even before we ask him, he still wants us to intentionally bring our needs and requests to him.
Matthew 6:9-13 (Lord’S Prayer Context)
Read and Learn More 100 Bible Verses To Overcome Worry and Anxiety
Meaning Of Matthew 6:9
So he instructs us to get out of the public eye and hide ourselves away in a quiet, private place. When we hide ourselves away, Jesus tells us that we can be confident that God sees us and is listening.
Then, as we pray, we are to recognize and acknowledge that our Father is in heaven. He is not bound by earthly rules.
“May Your Name Be Kept Holy”
He is not influenced by worldly trends or politics. He is outside of everything and able to accomplish infinitely more than we could ask or think (Ephesians 3:20).
Matthew 6:9 NLT Application
Hiding away in a quiet, solitary place to pray may appear insignificant. It may even feel too simple, as though no power could possibly come from such an unseen, quiet action. But the very opposite is true.
It is there that God, who calls himself your heavenly Father, wishes to meet with you. He comes down from heaven, all the way into your hidden, secluded space, just to listen to your prayers.
Biblical Prayer Structure
Right now, go into that private place and tell God what is on your mind or heavy on your heart. While you do so, remind yourself of who he is.
He is the creator of everything, he is the redeemer of your soul, and he is the author and perfecter of your faith. He is God, who longs to meet with you.
Jesus’ Teaching On Prayer (Matthew 6:9)
Give him all of it. He wants to hear it. Trust Jesus’ words that your Father knows exactly what you need, and that he sees everything.
“‘[Teach] them to observe all that I commanded you; and behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.’”