How does one approach God in prayer?

To approach God in prayer, one must do so through the merits of Jesus Christ, as outlined in Matthew 6. Prayer is more than mere words; it is an act of faith that acknowledges our total dependence on Christ's righteousness rather than our own. As human beings, we are inherently unable to meet God’s standard of goodness, which can only be satisfied through Christ’s sacrificial death. He is our mediator, allowing us to address God as 'our Father.' This model encourages us to enter God's presence with humility and gratitude, understanding that Christ's atonement provides the necessary legal and spiritual grounds for our prayers to be acceptable.