PRAYER: More than Words
Preached to: Middle & High School Students
Speaker: Pastor Amanda Hahn
This week at Amplify Youth, we kicked off our new journey of Pray. Learn. Demonstrate. We began with one of the most important topics—prayer. Jesus teaches us in Matthew 6:9–13 (the Lord’s Prayer) that prayer isn’t just a formula or a list of words. It’s a relationship with God.
Prayer is more than talking into the air—it’s about connecting with God through praise, thanksgiving, and confession. When we start with praise, we remind ourselves of who God is and place Him above our problems. When we practice thanksgiving, we shift the focus off of ourselves and onto God’s faithfulness. And when we confess, we’re honest with God about our weaknesses and invite Him to bring forgiveness and strength.
Here’s the challenge: Don’t let prayer become just a “wish list.” Instead, make it a daily relationship with God. Start by worshipping Him, thank Him for something small each day, and be real about the things you’re struggling with. This is just the beginning of our nine-week journey, but the first step is clear—prayer is more than words; it’s connecting with God.
Keep up with all that’s going on at Amplify Youth, including dates, times, sign-ups, and forms, on our main page.
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Night 1 – Prayer as Praise
Scripture Focus: Matthew 6:9 – “Our Father in heaven, may your name be kept holy.”
Discussion Questions:
When you pray, do you usually start with worship or jump straight into asking for things?
What are some ways we can praise God for who He is, not just what He does for us?
How does starting with praise change our perspective on our problems?
Action Step: Each family member shares one attribute of God (e.g., loving, powerful, faithful) and then thank Him for it together.
Night 2 – Prayer as Thanksgiving
Scripture Focus: Matthew 6:10–11 – “May your will be done on earth, as it is in heaven. Give us today the food we need.”
Discussion Questions:
Why is it sometimes hard to pray for God’s will instead of our own?
What’s something small God has provided recently that we can thank Him for?
How can we show trust in God’s daily provision?
Action Step: Go around the table and share one small thing you’re thankful for today—then pray together, thanking God for those things.
Night 3 – Prayer as Confession
Scripture Focus: Matthew 6:12–13 – “Forgive us our sins, as we have forgiven those who sin against us. And don’t let us yield to temptation, but rescue us from the evil one.”
Discussion Questions:
Why do you think God asks us to confess sins, even though He already knows them?
How does forgiving others impact our own relationship with God?
What are some temptations students and parents face in daily life?
Action Step: Each person silently asks God to forgive them for something specific. Then, as a family, pray for strength to overcome temptations together.
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Scripture: Matthew 6:9–13 (The Lord’s Prayer)
Big Idea: Prayer is not a formula; it’s a relationship with God.Jesus taught that prayer is more than words—it’s about connecting to God through praise, thanksgiving, and confession.
Prayer is Praise (Worship)
Recognize God first before bringing requests.
When we magnify God, our problems shrink.
Prayer is Thanksgiving (Focus on God, Not Just Us)
Prayer aligns us with God’s will, not just our desires.
It builds trust and gratitude for daily provision.
Prayer is Confession (Honesty with God)
Prayer means bringing our failures, weaknesses, and temptations to Him.
Confession clears out the “junk” so God can keep working in us.
Action Steps for Students
Start with Praise: When you pray, begin by worshipping God for who He is.
Practice Gratitude: Thank God for something small each day, not just the big things.
Be Honest with God: Confess struggles, ask forgiveness, and invite His help with temptation.
Daily Connection: Don’t treat prayer like a drive-thru order—make it a relationship.
Closing Challenge
Do your prayers start with praise or just a wish list?
What can you thank God for today?
What’s one area you need to confess and surrender to Him?
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Matthew 6:9–13 (NLT)
9 Pray like this:
Our Father in heaven,
may your name be kept holy.
10 May your Kingdom come soon.
May your will be done on earth,
as it is in heaven.
11 Give us today the food we need,
12 and forgive us our sins,
as we have forgiven those who sin against us.
13 And don’t let us yield to temptation,
but rescue us from the evil one.Matthew 6:9–13 (KJV)
9 After this manner therefore pray ye:
Our Father which art in heaven,
Hallowed be thy name.
10 Thy kingdom come,
Thy will be done in earth,
as it is in heaven.
11 Give us this day our daily bread.
12 And forgive us our debts,
as we forgive our debtors.
13 And lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil:
For thine is the kingdom,
and the power,
and the glory, for ever. Amen.
