Scripture Reading
The Lord's Prayer
5 “And when you pray, you must not be like the hypocrites. For they love to stand and pray in the synagogues and at the street corners, that they may be seen by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. 6 But when you pray, go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.
7 “And when you pray, do not heap up empty phrases as the Gentiles do, for they think that they will be heard for their many words. 8 Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him. 9 Pray then like this:
“Our Father in heaven,
hallowed be your name.
10 Your kingdom come,
your will be done,
on earth as it is in heaven.
11 Give us this day our daily bread,
12 and forgive us our debts,
as we also have forgiven our debtors.
13 And lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil.
Intro
This section of the Bible is commonly labeled "The Lord's Prayer". However, it should be called "The Disciples Prayer", since the prayer was meant for His disciples. The goal of this message is to enrich your prayer life. Prayer is a part of worship, and Prayer should honor God.
Some people may be used to adding something similar to the following phrase of "The Lord's Prayer": For Yours is the kingdom, the power, and the glory forever. Amen.
That line of text is not part of the scriptures, but was added to later manuscripts. There is nothing theologically wrong with adding the phrase to "The Lord's Prayer". However, it is not part of the text being discussed.
Main Points
Three areas of prayer to address in this passage.
- Sound heart - spiritual center, attitude, and motivation
- Sound theology
- Sound content
Having a sound heart gives you sound theology gives you sound content in your prayers.
1. Sound Heart
Review Matthew 6:5-6.
In Jesus' time, Jews would pray two to three times per day. Some people, such as the Pharisees, wanted to show their piety by praying these prayers in public. Not all prayer is meant to be behind closed doors in a storeroom. Jesus' prayer in John 17 is a public prayer. When you pray behind closed doors, it's between you and God, no one else. Have a sound heart while praying with proper motivation.
Do you want to pray for a $1 million for yourself to use, or for the church to use for the purchase of a building that the congregation needs.
2. Sound Theology
Review Matthew 6:7-8. Your Father knows what you need before you ask Him. R.C. Sproul says any of us would grovel to God if Here were in our presence. God is not our pal or genie. Don't just ask for wishes.
Why pray?
- Jesus prayed frequently. Follow His example.
- The Bible tells us to pray.
- Prayer changes us.
3. Sound Content
Review Matthew 6:9-13.
Verse 9 - God deserves our respect, and we're adopted by the Father.
Verse 10 - Spread the gospel, and follow God's commands.
Verse 11 - Pray for our daily needs and the needs of others. As Pastor Brandon says, "Pray as if it depends upon God, and work as if it depends upon us."
Verse 12 - We're already justified. We need to drag our sin into the light.
Verse 13 - Satan is powerful, but God is much more powerful.
Unanswered Prayer
- God does not always answer prayer the way we want to.
- Sometimes the answer is a temporary no, and the issue is timing on our part or God's.
- Sometimes the answer is a permanent no. God knows what is best for us, let him make the decisions.
ACTS
Adoration - Praise God from whom all blessing flow. (Psalm 150)
Confession - Confess and turn away from sin, knowing you're forgiven in Christ. (1 John 1:9)
Thanksgiving - Thank God for the many blessing in your life. (Ephesians 1:3-14)
Supplication - Bring your requests before God (1 Timothy 2, 1-2)
God wants to hear our imperfect prayers! There is power in prayer, don't forget that. We all forget how powerful prayer can be, including the Israelites.
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