About This Sermon
Jarrett Stephens continues teaching through the Lord's Prayer in Matthew 6:9-13, focusing on the final four petitions. He begins by emphasizing that prayer is both taught and caught, urging the church toward more corporate prayer. The petition for daily bread is a prayer of dependence that cultivates empathy for the needy and gratitude for God's provision. The petition for forgiveness distinguishes between judicial forgiveness at salvation and ongoing relational forgiveness that requires confession and horizontal reconciliation. Jesus adds unique commentary on forgiveness, leaving no wiggle room: those who refuse to forgive others cannot expect fellowship with the Father. Jarrett shares personally about forgiving his childhood abuser, motivated by the awareness of his own sin forgiven by God.
Scripture: Matthew 6:9-13
Study Guide
A few ideas to carry with you, discuss with your group, or revisit during the week.
Practical Takeaways (5)
- Prayer is both taught and caught; we grow by praying with others.
- Asking God for daily bread keeps us dependent, grateful, and empathetic toward those in need.
- Believers have been judicially forgiven once for all, but relational forgiveness requires ongoing confession.
- Jesus gives no wiggle room on horizontal forgiveness; it is the condition for restored fellowship with God.
- The person most often healed by forgiveness is the one who does the forgiving.
Discussion Questions (5)
- What does Jesus teach us about God's character by telling us to ask for daily bread?
- How can praying for daily provision change the way you think about your own resources?
- What is the difference between judicial forgiveness and relational forgiveness, and why does it matter?
- Who in your life do you need to forgive in order to restore fellowship with God?
- What would it look like for you to grow in corporate prayer rather than only praying alone?
From the Series
Pray Like Jesus
Prayer was never an afterthought in the life of Jesus. It was the foundation of everything He did. Before the crowds, before the miracles, before the cross, Jesus continually met… Read morePrayer was never an afterthought in the life of Jesus. It was the foundation of everything He did. Before the crowds, before the miracles, before the cross, Jesus continually met with His Father. In Pray Like Jesus, we’ll journey through the Gospels to discover how Jesus prayed in every season of life. We’ll see His pattern of daily dependence, His prayers for others, His surrender in suffering, and His unwavering trust in the Father. More than learning about prayer, we’ll be invited to experience the same relationship with God that shaped every moment of Jesus’ life. Whether your prayer life feels vibrant or you’ve struggled to know where to begin, this series will help you grow in confidence, intimacy, and dependence on God as you learn to pray like Jesus. Show less
Before Anything Else
Aug 16, 2026
