Learning from Jesus - John Hodge
Teachers
Lesson Summary
The class began by revisiting recent teachings on loving enemies (Matthew 5:38‑48) and forgiveness (Matthew 6:14‑15) before turning to the topic of prayer as a demonstration of dependence on God. The teacher emphasized that prayer competes with exhaustion, anxiety, and the desire for control, urging believers to choose prayer over self‑reliance. Scripture from Matthew 6:1‑6 was read, warning against hypocritical, performative righteousness and highlighting the call to pray in secret, where the Father sees and rewards. The focus then shifted to the Lord’s Prayer (Matthew 6:9‑13), exploring its relational language, communal aspect, and the balance between petition and trust, stressing that prayer should be communion rather than a means to manipulate outcomes. Students shared personal examples of modeling prayer, such as family mealtime blessings and honest conversations with God about needs and surrender. The discussion underscored the importance of teaching children dependence on God, fostering authentic, heart‑felt prayer, and recognizing that God’s will, not our own, ultimately guides outcomes. The class concluded with a call to practice secret, sincere prayer as a daily expression of trust and relationship with the Father.
Key Scriptures
But when you pray, you must not be like the hypocrites, for they love to stand and pray in the synagogues and at the street corners that they may be seen by others. Truly I say to you, they have received their reward. But when you pray, go into your room and shut the door, and pray to your Father who is in secret, and your Father who sees in secret will reward you. And when you pray, do not heap up empty phrases as the Gentiles do, for they think that they will be heard for their many words.
Pray then like this: Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name. Your kingdom come. Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.