Prayer

Mat 6:9 After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.

Mat 6:10 Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.

Mat 6:11 Give us this day our daily bread.

Mat 6:12 And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.

Mat 6:13 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.

We’re talking about prayer (a believer’s basic communication with God).

Prayer and developing a “prayer life” is vital to a living a victorious life and receiving the things we have need of!

Many of us have and do struggle with prayer! Apparently the disciples did as well because they said, “Lord, teach us to pray” (Lk.11:1).

Jesus responded by giving a MODEL PRAYER we call “The Lord’s Prayer”! Before we get into it I want to remind you what Jesus said prior to giving this prayer.

Because prayer can become hypocritical, habit-forming, connected with only certain places, vain repetition, self-glorifying and self deceptive, Jesus taught us how we’re to pray (Mat.6:5-7).

We’re to pray regularly (when you pray), sincerely (don’t be like the hypocrites), secretly MORE OF ATTITUDE, NOT TRYING TO IMPRESS (shut the door), thoughtfully (don’t use vain repetitions).

When we understand how vital it is to pray regularly, sincerely, secretly and thoughtfully, we’re ready to learn more about HOW to pray effectively.

Jesus said, “After this MANNER therefore pray ye” (Mat.6:9).

Jesus didn’t give us this “prayer” to read it as our prayer, but as an “outline” or “pattern” by which we can learn to pray!

The Lord’s Prayer is a “model prayer” that is to be prayed through. It’s “after this manner”, in this way, like this, that we’re to pray.

Within this prayer there are two parts:

1. The holiness and will of God

2. God meeting our personal needs

I want to deal with the “holiness and will of God” in prayer!

I. Our Father (Mat.6:9)…

The way we’re to open in prayer is to address God as “Our Father”! By praying this way we’re taught to “whom” we’re to pray!

Jesus is teaching that WE as children are to address Him as our loving, compassionate, merciful, gracious, forgiving, Father.

Because we have a heavenly Father that means:

1. We have someone we can trust!

Our welfare, as children, is always on His mind!

In fact, you can trust a loving father’s heart even when you can’t figure out why he’s doing what he’s doing!

2. We have someone that will provide!

Later in Mat.6 Jesus talks about “worry” (vv.25-34). He said don’t worry about having enough food, water, or clothes.

In fact, it’s a sin to worry because Jesus commanded us not to do so (v.34).

You say, “I’m not worried, just concerned”! If your CONCERN is keeping you up at night, ruining your health, keeping you depressed, it’s WORRY!

What’s the cure for worry? Knowing and trusting your Father!

“Your heavenly Father knows that you have need of these things, but seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, etc. (Mat.6:32-33).

Jesus said the Father even takes care of the birds (v.26). Have you ever seen a worried bird? Do birds get high blood pressure and bad nerves? No, they just go out each day knowing there’s going to be a worm or seed somewhere.

“If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, HOW MUCH MORE shall your Father which is in heaven give good things to them that ask him” (Mat.7:11)?

3. We have someone that will protect!

We don’t have to live in fear even in the most difficult circumstances!

Even when you don’t know what’s going on in your life, as long as you know your Father’s heart you can conquer any fear!

If God is your Father He’s also in charge and makes the final decision!

When you make your request sometimes He’ll say “yes”, but because He’s your Father sometimes He’ll say “no” for His greater purpose!

4. We have someone that’s available anytime we call

Though God is Ruler of the universe it doesn’t get in the way, etc.!

II. Which Art In Heaven (Mat.6:9)…

There’re a few things I want you to see:

1. This is where our prayers are to be directed!

God’s THRONE is in heaven!

“The Lord hath prepared his throne in the heavens; and his kingdom ruleth over all” (Ps.103:19).

The N.T. speaks of 3 heavens – atmosphere surrounding the earth (Mt.6:26), outer space of heavenly bodies (Mt.24:29; Rev.6:13), the place above and beyond this physical dimension where God’s presence is fully manifested (2Pet.3:8-10, 11-14).

Since we’re praying to our Father in heaven we’re to approach His throne boldly, yet in reverence and godly fear!