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Gary Lee Webber
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7
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Gary Lee Webber
7

The Prayer That Never Fails

September 28, 2025

Before we begin our new Bridges series, we pause with a prayer that never fails: “Your Kingdom come, Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven” (Matthew 6:10). In a world tired of empty words and unanswered longings, Jesus gives us a model prayer that is always heard and always answered — not because it bends God to our will, but because it bends us to His. This message sets the stage for Bridges by reminding us that the first and greatest bridge God builds is between heaven and earth, and that our mission is to live as people who bring His Kingdom to bear in every sphere of life.

Passage

Matthew 6:10

Principle

The prayer that never fails is the prayer that ##surrenders## my ##will## to ##His## .

Practice

Pray less to ##persuade## God and more to ##align## with Him.

Small Group Questions

Use this outline for personal reflection, as a couple’s or family devotion, or with a small group.

HANGOUT

Prayer is one of the most widely practiced spiritual disciplines across religions and cultures. Everyone prays at some point, whether in desperation, gratitude, or routine.
When you think of prayer, what comes to mind first — comfort, struggle, discipline, intimacy, or something else?
What has shaped your personal view of prayer the most (family, church, experience, culture)?

HEAR

Read Matthew 6:5-6

  • How does Jesus contrast the prayers of the hypocrites with those of His followers?
  • Why do you think Jesus emphasizes secrecy in prayer? How does this shift our focus from impressing others to truly connecting with God?
  • Have you ever caught yourself praying more to be heard by people than to be heard by God? How can we guard against that?

Read Matthew 6:7-8

  • What does Jesus mean when He warns against “babbling like pagans”?
  • How does knowing that “your Father knows what you need before you ask Him” shape the way we pray?
  • What role does persistence play in prayer if God already knows our needs?

Read Matthew 6:9-15

  • The Lord’s Prayer begins with “Our Father.” How does calling God “Father” shape the way we approach Him?
  • What stands out to you in the structure of the prayer (worship, submission, provision, forgiveness, deliverance)?
    Which of these comes easiest for you? Which is hardest?
  • Verses 14–15 connect prayer with forgiveness. Why do you think Jesus ties our relationship with God so closely to our relationship with others?

HUDDLE

In what ways does your prayer life reflect what Jesus describes here?
In what ways does it drift toward empty words, routine, or performance?
What one change can you make this week to align your prayer life more closely with the way Jesus teaches us to pray?

Pray together, using the pattern of the Lord’s Prayer:

  • Worship God as Father
  • Submit to His will
  • Ask for daily needs
  • Seek forgiveness and extend it
  • Ask for strength and deliverance

Daily Reading

As you read each passage, look for connections to this week’s sermon and small group discussion. Invite the Holy Spirit to be your teacher as you seek Him with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength.

  • Day 1: Matthew 5
  • Day 2: Matthew 6
  • Day 3: Matthew 7
  • Day 4: John 15
  • Day 5: Luke 22:39-46
  • Day 6: Romans 8:18-30
  • Day 7: Revelation 21:1-5

Passage to Memorize:

Matthew 6:9-13

Think Deeper

  1. Can you relate to those who question the power of prayer in the face of evil?
  2. Are you aware of where your will does not align with God’s Kingdom?
  3. Have you ever viewed your “unanswered prayers” as proof of God’s love for you?

Suggested Resources

The Lord and His Prayer, by N.T. Wright

The Great House of God, by Max Lucado

Praying Like Monks, Living Like Fools, by Tyler Staton

Check out these and other books from our suggested reading list at https://bit.ly/AspireSMB.