Life.Church with Craig Groeschel

What Jesus Actually Said About Prayer | How to Pray: Part 1

Mar 15, 2026
A look at what Jesus taught about prayer and why aim matters more than effort. Short lessons on prayer as conversation, intimacy with Father, and avoiding performative rituals. Practical ideas for forming prayer habits and a 21-day challenge to make prayer a rhythm in daily life.
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ANECDOTE

Olympic Sharpshooter Hit The Wrong Target

  • Matt Emmons hit the bullseye but on the wrong target at the 2004 Olympics, costing him first place.
  • Craig Groeschel uses this story to illustrate how we can aim prayer incorrectly and miss God's intended target.
ADVICE

Avoid Performance And Babbling In Prayer

  • Avoid praying to perform or to manipulate; Jesus warns against hypocritical public prayer and babbling like pagans.
  • Instead pray privately and simply because God knows your needs before you ask.
INSIGHT

Prayer Is About Being With God

  • The purpose of prayer is not to get something from God but to be with him and become like him.
  • Craig Groeschel summarizes the sermon in a sentence and contrasts prayer-as-transaction with prayer-as-formation.
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