The Heart of Prayer

Jesus said

“Do not be like them, for your Father knows 

what you need before you ask him.” 

Matthew 6:8 (NIV)

Letting Go of Striving in Prayer

During Lent, we are invited to draw closer to God—not through religious performance, but through quiet trust. Jesus’ words in Matthew 6 challenge us to examine how we pray. Do we approach God with anxious striving, thinking we must convince Him to listen? Or do we rest in the assurance that He already knows our needs?

In Jesus’ time, both the Pharisees and the pagans misunderstood prayer. The Pharisees prayed publicly to impress others (Matthew 6:5), while the pagans repeated long, empty phrases, believing they could manipulate their gods into answering (Matthew 6:7). Jesus rebukes both approaches, reminding us that true prayer is not about many words, but about a heart that trusts.

Henri Nouwen beautifully captures this truth: “Listen to your heart. It’s there that Jesus speaks most intimately to you. Praying is first and foremost listening to Jesus, who dwells in the very depths of your heart.” This echoes Scripture’s teaching that God speaks in the stillness, not in loud displays (1 Kings 19:11-12). Prayer is not just speaking—it is listening, being still, and resting in God’s presence (Psalm 46:10).

But what if prayer feels difficult? What if words do not come easily, or distractions pull us away? Paul offers hope in Romans 8:26, reminding us that even when we do not know what to pray, the Spirit intercedes for us with wordless groans. We do not need perfect words to reach God—His Spirit prays on our behalf, shaping our prayers according to His will.

Jesus gives you a simple way forward: pray the Lord’s Prayer slowly (Matthew 6:9-13). Let each phrase sink in. Instead of rushing through it, pause and reflect on each word. Let it guide you into deeper communion with God. Or simply sit in silence, knowing that God hears even your unspoken prayers.

Lent is a season of letting go—of distractions, of control, of striving. Let go of the pressure to “pray well” and instead, enter into the quiet confidence that God is already near. He is not waiting for perfect words; He is waiting for an open heart.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, teach me to rest in You. Free me from the need to impress, to strive, or to control. Help me to trust that You know my needs before I even speak them. When I struggle to pray, remind me that Your Spirit intercedes for me. As I walk through this Lenten season, may my prayers be less about words and more about abiding in Your love. Amen.