16) LORD TEACH US TO PRAY
TEXT: Luke 11:1
1 And it came to pass, that, as He [Jesus] was praying in a certain place, when He ceased, one of His disciples said unto Him, Lord, Teach us to pray, as John also taught his disciples.
RECAP
As you might recall, last week we began to look at what we believe about Prayer.
Remembering of course, that the whole reason for these weekly Bible Studies...
Is to look to the Scriptures and the very Word of God to discover:
“...those things most surely believed among us”
And as we learned last week...
Prayer is not just fundamentally important to our relationship with God,
But it’s something God actually instructs us to do.
In fact, 1 Thessalonians 5:17-18 tells us to:
Pray without Ceasing. [...and to...]
In everything give thanks: for this is the will of God
in Christ Jesus Concerning you.
You see praying is so important – that God says we are to pray continually,
To Pray without stopping...
To Pray and keep on praying – because this is the very will of God concerning you.
Now coming to terms with this truth...
We had to ask ourselves a number of critical questions,
In the light of what God’s Word teaches.
We asked - “What is Prayer?”,
We asked “Who needs to Pray?”,
We asked “Where and When we should we Pray?”,
And of course we asked - “Why we should Pray?”
Thankfully, once again the Bible proved true...
And provided us with all of the answers to these questions.
For instance – it revealed to us that Prayer...
Is simply the means by how we talk with God.
Remember, the Lord’s whole plan and desire for mankind
Is for us to a having a personal relationship with Him.
And to that end, God attempts to talk with us each and everyday through His Word,
And we in turn are able to talk with Him everyday through our Prayers.
God talks to us – and - we talk with Him…
That’s what you call “two-way communication”,
And its key to any meaningful relationship.
And if that is what Prayer is – “Who then can Pray?”
The answer is - Anyone who has a relationship with God -and wants to talk with Him.
Prayer isn’t just a practice meant for the early Apostles,
Neither is it restricted for the likes of just the Pastors today.
No - Prayer is for everyone!
...For this is the will of God in Christ Jesus Concerning you.
And the Bible is literally full of people who we can see
From all ages, backgrounds and different walks of life – Praying.
Prayer is so simple in fact anyone can do it – even little children.
Which brings us to our next question - “Where do we Pray?”
Well God doesn’t really put any limits on it...
Because anywhere is a good place to pray.
In fact, in the Bible we see examples of prayers being made in gardens,
On mountain tops and even out and sea.
There are examples of people praying both publicly, in the presence of others,
As well as praying privately while off on their own.
There is no wrong place to pray - when it’s done with the right heart and motivation,
Where one simply wants to talk with God.
“When do we Pray” - well anytime is the right time to pray.
Of course, we saw in the book of Daniel and also through the Psalms
That it appeared customary for the Hebrews to pray many times a day
In fact, the Psalmist even declared specific times of how
He prayed during the Morning, Noon and Evening.
However, when you contrast this with other examples
Like those we find of Jesus in the Gospels,
You begin, to recognise that prayer is not at all limited to just those times.
After all Mark 1:35 tells us that Jesus rose early before the sun came up to pray,
And Luke 6:12 tells us that in other instances Jesus prayed all night long.
And then in the book of 1 Thessalonians…
Paul declared that he prayed both day and night.
So guys there is no timeframe placed around when we should pray,
Because simply put – it’s never the wrong time to pray.
And last but not least we had to ask ourselves - “Why do we Pray?”
It’s a good question – but what’s the answer?
Well to cut to the chase – we either pray to receive things from God
...that being His Help, His provision and His blessings,
Or we pray to Give things back to God...
Including our thanks and our praises to Him.
1 Thessalonians 5:17-18 we are told to:
17 Pray without ceasing.
18 In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.
So those were all simple questions with some rather simple answers right.
What is Prayer – its how we talk to God.
Who can Pray – Anyone
Where do we Pray – Anywhere
When do we Pray – Anytime
And Why do we Pray – to receive something from God
And to Give something back to God.
And it all stems back to one fundamental thing…
Its us talking with God and sharing our hearts with Him.
And this brings us all squarely back at our opening text today.
You see we have one more question to ask - “How do we Pray?”
INTRODUCTION
“Lord, teach us to Pray” – the disciples said.
The disciples had all no doubt seen Jesus pray,
They had heard Jesus pray…
In fact, we even find reference in our text
Of how John the Baptist was teaching others about prayer.
So the disciples recognised that Prayer was important.
And this is what led one of the disciples to prompt Jesus saying:
“Lord, teach us to Pray”
And guys this is neat - because do you know what?
Jesus then teaches them how to do exactly that.
And tonight we too are going to be taught how to Pray by the Master.
Turn with me now to Matthew Chapter 6.
Now there are a number of places we could go to in the Scriptures
To see and learn how Jesus prayed.
However, as it turns out - Jesus had a lot to say on the topic of Prayer Himself.
In fact, He taught on prayer in the Sermon on the Mount.
And this is really going to be our focus for these Homegroups.
In Luke a disciple asks Jesus – “Teach us how to Pray”
And in Matthew we see very clearly Jesus doing just that.
Lets start our reading now in verse number 9:
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.
THE LORD’S PRAYER
No doubt you will all recognise these familiar words.
This is what is now commonly referred to as "The Lord’s Prayer."
A lot of people know it, many have even memorised it…
And it’s often quoted at the start or conclusion of various religious services.
However, guys please don’t fall into the trap of thinking,
That just because you can quote the Lord’s Prayer - that you are actually praying.
Remember what Prayer is – it’s about “us” talking with God
Its about “us” opening up and sharing what’s on our hearts with Him.
“The Lord’s Prayer” is just that – it’s the Lord’s Prayer…it’s not our prayer!
Prayer is not about quoting what someone else has said or done…
Even if it is a prayer given by our Lord Jesus Christ.
You see, what we all need to recognise here
Is that this is just an example Jesus uses to teach us all how to Pray.
It’s not the only way to pray…
And it’s certainly not the way Jesus dictates we have to pray!
Take another look at the start of verse number 9 because Jesus says:
After this manner therefore pray ye:
In other words, “According to this way….”
“Following this demonstration…”
“And bearing in mind this example – you should Pray in a similar fashion.”
You see, “The Lord’s Prayer” stands out as a model
Upon which our prayer lives should be based.
Its an example of prayer – that shows us how we ought to pray ourselves.
In fact, here Jesus outlines six different things,
Which stand as examples - of the types of things...
We too should be praying for in our lives.
And we are going to cover all of the six things Jesus prayed for in the weeks to come
But the point I am trying to make here - is that The Lord’s Prayer
Was a personal demonstration given by Jesus – to show us an example of prayer.
And He even clarifies this right at the start saying - After this manner therefore…
Or “following this example – this is how you should pray”
And guys please take note of that word therefore
Because this is indicates a progression of thought,
It’s a focal point to something that has already been discussed.
In essence, what Jesus was saying was:
“Based on what I have already taught you…
This is how you should pray.”
So what had Jesus already taught?
Well isn’t it true that sometimes the best way to learn how to do something right,
Is to know and understand how not to do it first.
The Lord’s Prayer is a model example of how we should pray,
But leading upto this point – Jesus also taught and gave examples
About how not pray.
HOW NOT TO PRAY
Drop back and read with me verse number 5:
5 And when thou prayest, thou shalt not be as the hypocrites are: for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets, that they may be seen of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward.
Remember customary practice for the Jews was to pray several times a day,
Morning, Noon and Evening.
And this first group of Jews can be openly seen following after that practice.
Where ever they are at, and whatever they are doing,
When the time comes and the need arises - they stop and pray.
Now there is nothing inherently wrong with that,
After all, this was what the Scriptures teach Daniel did.
However, the true value of prayer – does not come from the act of praying itself,
But rather by the motivation behind the prayer.
Take note here because Jesus says:
…they love to pray standing in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets
[and this is key…] that they may be seen of men.
This is the underlying motivation behind what they do and why they pray.
They want everybody else to see them.
They want others to know just how truly spiritual they are.
And in this one statement Jesus outlines to us all
Exactly where their hearts are at:
“They want to be seen of men”.
They are not praying because they want to share their hearts with God,
They are praying so that others would respect them - and think more highly of them.
They pray so that everyone else can see how spiritual they are…
And sing out their praises – rather than God’s.
Jesus calls them “Hypocrites”.
Now the word Hypocrite is an interesting one
Because in the Greek it speaks of “a counterfeit”, or “a pretender”.
More specifically, it refers to “someone who acts under false pretenses”.
Now if we were to carry this whole idea of a step further,
The biblical meaning for the word “hypocrisy“ actually pictures actors within a play.
In ancient times - Greek dramas featured actors who played out their parts on stage
By wearing various masks to imitate the feelings, mannerisms and characteristics
Of the person they were portraying.
The mask of happy face was held up…the replaced with the mask of a sad face…
And then when the villain arrives on the scene…
The mask of an angry face was put on etc etc.
And an entire drama was played out and performed in this way...
Before an audience – using masks.
But guys these masks were all for show,
And all they really served to do was cover the true form of the actor underneath.
And that’s the picture we are given here.
A “Hypocrite” is someone who pretends to be something they’re not.
They might present the outward façade and impression that they are holy.
They may go through all the right motions, and on the outside appear
Before others as though they are entirely spiritual…
However, with regards to the Jews Jesus was talking about - it was all for show.
Jesus says don’t pray like all the religious hypocrites
Because He says - “They have their reward”
The term reward there speaks of a “just payment for that which is deserved”
The verb is the Greek word Apechein,
Which is a commercial or business term pertaining to receiving correct payment.
“They have received their payment in full” – Jesus says.
And the point is this...
If you pray just to demonstrate your righteousness before men…
Then you may indeed get their praise - but that is all you will get.
That will be your reward.
Jesus says - don’t pray before God just to put on a show,
Because prayer is not about what others see
It’s just about you getting real with God.
Take a look at the contrast we are given now in Verse 6:
6 But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly.
Jesus says don’t pray like the hypocrites…
Because they just want to be seen to be doing the right thing.
Instead when you pray – make it a matter just between you and the Lord.
And as you pour out your heart before God…
He will give you that which is justly deserved.
You see, God isn’t interested in pretenders.
He doesn’t want His Children to dress up and act out a play before Him,
That’s religion – that is something religious people do...
But that is not what true Christianity is – or will ever be.
God wants us to be REAL with Him…
And prayer is one of the best ways we can do that.
Prayer is about us getting real with God about where we are at…
Real about what we are struggling with…
Real about what we lack and what we need.
You see, Jesus really hits the nail on the head here.
He says prayer is not about exhibiting the right kind of image to others,
It’s just about getting real and sharing your heart with God.
He then continues on by talking further about the heart of prayer in verse 7:
7 But when ye pray, use not vain repetitions, as the heathen do: for they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking.
Now I like this because Jesus says: Look – prayer is not about what can be seen
And its not even about what is heard.
Use not vain repetitions, as the heathen do
Here Christ’s attention turns away from the Jews to the “Heathens”.
Of course that term Heathen really refers to a “Gentile”…
Or to someone that is not a Jew.
So Jesus is not leaving anyone out in His teaching.
And its interesting to note that although both the Jews and the Gentiles were praying
Jesus outlines to us – how they were praying wrong.
Of course you have to remember that at this point in time,
Rome had conquered most all of the known world
So you had a vast blending of cultures and religions,
Much of which helped to formulate some strange ideas
About “the God’s” and ancient Greek mythology.
In fact, Paul even wrote about this while in the city of Athens saying:
22 Ye men of Athens, I perceive that in all things ye are too superstitious.
23 For as I passed by, and beheld your devotions, I found an altar with this inscription,
TO THE UNKNOWN GOD. (Acts 17:22-23)
You see, the Greeks were so bent on trying to worship the God’s of every nation
That they even built a shrine to the “Unknown God” – just in case they forgot one.
And here, Jesus says: “Look – their idea of prayer…
Is just to repeat the same thing over and over again,
With the underlying belief - that the more they repeat it,
The more likely they are to be heard.”
Now that may well sound foolish to many of us – but it happens.
And we can even see an example of this belief in the OT
When 450 Prophets of Baal squared off against Elijah in a Battle of Prayer.
This is was an open test before all the people...
To show the difference between Religion and true Christianity,
And it proved the difference between the power of genuine Prayer...
And the shallow superficial prayers - offered up in a show.
1 Kings 18:25 tells us that they [the false prophets]…called on the name of Baal from morning even until noon, saying, O Baal, hear us.
Same prayer repeated over and over again – for hours by 450 people.
However, the same verse continues in saying:
But there was no voice, nor any that answered.
No God answered those prayers…
Even though they were given in earnest and repeated again and again.
Real prayer is not about repeating the same things.
Catholics and Buddhist Monks like to use “Prayer Beads”.
The idea is that each bead represents a different prayer
Which they carry with them and recite everyday.
Now there is absolutely nothing wrong with praying
And asking God for the same things – when the need remains.
You can pray and ask the Lord for His help, His strength…
And for His direction over and over again in your life.
Heck I know I do – and there is nothing wrong with it…
As long as It’s sincerely coming from the heart.
But the danger with reciting the same prayer over and over again,
Even if it’s “The Lords Prayer”…
Is that it becomes more about quoting the words
Rather than about sharing your heart.
In fact, Jesus says – they become “vain repetitions”.
Or rather empty words.
In fact, the Greek word for repetition used there
Can literally be translated to mean “babble”.
Now there were people back In Jesus day praying like this
And there are people nowadays who pray like this…
They just recite the same prayers over and over again
Because they feel the more often they pray something to God,
The more likely it will be that God will hear and answer.
But Jesus says don’t pray like this…because it’s just worthless babble.
God is not interested in the abundance of your words,
He is only interested in the surrender and humility of your heart. Verse 8:
8 Be not ye therefore like unto them: for your Father knoweth what things ye have need of, before ye ask Him.
Here’s the reality of things - God hears and answers our prayers,
Not because they are long, well worded… Or repeated over and over again.
No – God knows what we need before we even ask.
God is not interested in repetitive prayer,
Instead, He just desires to hear the earnest prayers given from our hearts.
CONCLUSION
Now can you see what Jesus has done in all of this?
Because in teaching us how to Pray…
He has also taught us on how not to Pray.
It’s true that the Lords Prayer stands as a model or example
For us to use and base our prayer lives around,
However, let’s not forget that Jesus also provided a number of other examples
Revealing the types of things we should look to avoid.
And in doing so, He effectively teaches us
That prayer is actually all about an attitude of the Heart.
A Disciple asked Jesus – “Lord teach us to Pray”.
And Jesus said alright.
But in order for you to learn the right way to pray…
You also need to see and understand the wrong way to pray.
Because Prayer is not about what others See
And its not even really about what you Say.
Prayer is all about what’s going on in here…
Not about what’s going on out there (being seen by others)
Or coming out from here (what we say).
Its actually about your HEART.
Praying to God is simply the process whereby we get real with God
By opening up our hearts and sharing them with Him.
In addressing the Jewish people who were accustomed to praying many times a day,
Jesus teaches that we are to avoid praying just to keep up pretences,
Because this is a hypocritical attitude that God can see right through.
Instead Jesus praises those who pray…
Not because it’s what is expected,
And not because it’s an action seen and deemed worthy of praise by others,
But simply because they have a heart
That wants to connect with God.
In like manner, Jesus says avoid an attitude of prayer
That is based on empty words and babbling repetition.
This was something all of the gentiles and pagans were doing,
Since they believed the more they prayed
The more likely they were to be heard and answered.
But Jesus said don’t pray like the Heathens do…
Because not only is God not impressed by our words,
But He knows what we need before we even ask.
And its here… only after this introduction,
And having established this wider context
That Jesus then moves on to say:
9 After this manner therefore pray ye:
Now that you know what not to do,
Pray in this way…
Follow in this fashion…
Model your prayers upon this example
9 …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.
