Leader Guide
As we continue this series on prayer and fasting, we are looking closely at the example Jesus gave us in Matthew 6 through what we commonly call The Lord’s Prayer. Many people believe prayer matters yet feel intimidated by it—unsure how to pray or afraid of doing it “wrong.” Jesus did not give us a script to repeat, but a framework, pattern, and guide to shape how we pray. When prayer and fasting are practiced together, they bring alignment—aligning our hearts, desires, and will with God. If we fast without prayer, we’ve missed the point. Together, prayer and fasting create space for God to work in us.
What you will need: A Bible or your Bible app, a notebook, pen, and highlighter. The verses highlighted below are linked so that you can easily access them during your study time.
Jump Start
Leader: This section is designed to get discussions started, examine God’s truth, and apply it to our week. Life Group leaders should not assume everyone in their group is a Christ follower. Because they are taking part in a Life Group, they must have some openness to know more and explore. Pray for the Holy Spirit to work and let Him lead you as well.
1. What’s the most awkward time you’ve ever been asked to pray out loud? Where do you pray most often? (Example: outside, shower, car, quiet room, etc)
2. Read Matthew 6:7. Why do you think Jesus cared so much about how we pray and not just that we pray? According to Jesus, what should we not do when we pray? What do “empty phrases” or “many words” look like in today’s culture?
Leader: Jesus addressed these exact issues by teaching His disciples how to pray. Prayer is about sincere relationship with the Father, not performance or repetition.
3. Alignment of Identity Read Matthew 6:9-13. What does it mean to approach God as Father? How does knowing God as a loving Father shape the way we pray?
Leader: Prayer begins with our identity as God's dearly loved child.
4. Alignment in Worship Read Isaiah 43:20-21. What does it mean to “hallow” God’s name? How is worship reflected in prayer, not just in singing? Why is it important to pause and acknowledge God’s holiness before bringing our requests?
Leader: Worship realigns our hearts by reminding us who God is before focusing on what we need.
5. Alignment of Surrender Read Luke 22:42. Have you ever felt unsure how to pray or worried about praying the “right way”? Why is alignment with God’s will more powerful than simply asking God to bless our plans? Where do you most struggle to surrender control to God?
Leader: The Lord’s Prayer teaches us orientation before petition—aligning our hearts with God before asking Him to act.
6. Alignment on Dependence Read Philippians 4:19. What does “daily bread” teach us about dependence on God? Why is it difficult to trust God with daily needs instead of long-term security? What might it look like to rely on God one day at a time?
Leader: Jesus invites us into daily dependence rather than self-sufficiency.
7. Alignment on Grace Read Psalm 32:3-5. What was David experiencing before he confessed his sin? Why is it easier to admit we are sinners in general, but harder to confess specific sins to God? How does unforgiveness toward others disrupt our spiritual alignment?
Leader: Fasting paired with prayer often brings clarity and conviction, helping us deal honestly with sin instead of ignoring it. Forgiveness of others realigns us with God’s grace!
8. Alignment for Guidance Read Matthew 6:13. Why do you think Jesus includes guidance and protection at the end of this prayer? How does inviting God to “lead us” and “deliver us” shape the choices we make? Where in your life do you need to rely on God’s guidance more?
Leader: Prayer aligns us to seek God’s guidance daily, trusting Him to lead us toward what is good and away from what harms our relationship with Him.
Action Step: Ask God to show you something new about your prayer life this week. Are you seeking your agenda or God’s will? What does God want for you? Be real with God about any sin you are struggling with and confess it specifically. If you haven’t considered a fast, then reconsider and ask God to show you what he would have you give up to draw closer to Him.
Optional - Deeper Dive: Read Isaiah 58:6–9. What kind of fasting does God desire? How does this passage challenge common misunderstandings about fasting? What connections do you see between fasting, prayer, and transformed living?