One day Jesus disciples asked, "Lord, teach us how to pray." I hear many people today tell me they do not know how to pray. They don't know what to say. Unfortunately, often we make praying difficult. This is not Jesus intent.

Jesus tells us to pray privately. Pray in secret, one on one. A great prayer is not profound thoughts, beautiful poetry, or lengthy. It is soul searchingly honest.

In teaching us how to pray, Jesus gives us to some basic assumptions about God.

1. God is like a good parent. He knows you well. He knows what you need better than you do. He can read your concerns and is there ahead of you. We don't have to tell God all about the situation and how to handle it.  Jesus said, "no empty phrases." Just open your heart and be honest.

2. God's love is already answering our prayer. Jesus gives us the Lord's Prayer. I want to suggest another way to approach the Lord's Prayer.

Our Father in heaven... Just being Open to God
Give us this day our daily bread... Being open to His abundant gifts which are just there.
Forgive us our debts... Open to his eternal forgiveness... more willing to forgive than we to receive. And that openness to forgiveness implies the forgiving mood to others.
Lead us not into temptation... Open to His guidance.

In other words, praying is not "asking for" but allowing ourselves to be open to what God has already given out of his abundant love.