Disciple Someone – Christ Commands

Read

Read the complete passage aloud.

Primary passage

Matthew 6:5–8

5 “When you pray, you shall not be as the hypocrites, for they love to stand and pray in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets, that they may be seen by men. Most certainly, I tell you, they have received their reward. 6 But you, when you pray, enter into your inner room, and having shut your door, pray to your Father who is in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly. 7 In praying, don’t use vain repetitions as the Gentiles do; for they think that they will be heard for their much speaking. 8 Therefore don’t be like them, for your Father knows what things you need before you ask him.

World English Bible

Jesus contrasts public performance and empty repetition with private prayer to the Father, who sees in secret and already knows what His children need.

Discuss

Listen carefully to what Jesus says.

What does Jesus command?
What does this passage reveal about Him?
Where do we resist this command?
What is difficult or unclear?
What changes in prayer when we truly believe the Father sees us and knows what we need before we ask?

Practice

Choose one specific act of obedience.

Set aside ten private minutes with no audience and no polished language. Name what is true, ask simply for what you need, and spend part of the time quietly attending to God.

Return

Come back and discuss what happened.

What became more honest or simple in private prayer, and where did you notice the desire to perform?

Close together

Pray. Then prepare to teach.

Pray

Father, draw us away from performance and empty words. Teach us to come honestly, trust your attention, and desire you more than a spiritual reputation.

Teach

Explain that Jesus critiques prayer used for display or mechanical leverage, not repeated prayer that is sincere, attentive, and faithful.