The 10 Commandments Of Prayer

The Ten Commandments of Prayer!

Text: Matthew 6:5-15

5 “And when you pray, do not be like the hypocrites, for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the street corners to be seen by others. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full. 6 But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you. 7 And when you pray, do not keep on babbling like pagans, for they think they will be heard because of their many words. 8 Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him.

9 “This, then, is how you should pray: “‘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 today 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 the evil one.’ (For your is the kingdom, the power and the glory, forever and ever, amen). (Footnote/MSS)

14 For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. 15 But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.

These words may be the most repeated words in all of human history!

1. “Our Father” – We Pray To Our Heavenly Father: v. 9

a. Lord’s prayer….” When you pray say, Our Father…”

b. “Your heavenly Father” means prayer is a family matter.

c. Paul picks up this thought in Ephesians 3:14ff …”from whom the whole family in heaven and on earth derives its name.”

d. Your heavenly Father knows… Matt. 6:8 and 6:32

e. Your earthly Father is limited in resources – not so with your heavenly Father!

f. Jesus prayed to the Father in his high priestly prayer of John 17:1 ff

g. Approx. 100 times in the Gospel of John – Jesus refers to his Father.

h. It is by our adoption through Christ that we call God “Father”

i. In other words, to call God Father – is to pray in Jesus name!

j. If you then, though you are evil know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask him. Luke 11:13

2. “Hallowed be” ...Yes, Pray with Worship and Adoration: v. 9

a. Jesus teaches us to begin prayer with, Our Father, Hallowed by thy name. Matt 6:9

b. First – that I may not dishonor God!

c. Second, This is a missional prayer – for more and more people to worship our God!

It's a prayer to get the word out...

He alone is worthy of worship! He is the king of all kings!

Sovereign over all

When you lose perspective – choose to worship

d. And also worship!!!

i. To be a Christian is to love God with all your heart...

ii. Who is at the center of your heart?

iii. Who receives your highest adoration?

e. Once again Paul writes, for this reason, I bow before the Father ... Eph 3:14 “bow” in worship...

3. “Your kingdom come... - Yes, Pray Missionally: v. 10

a. Your kingdom come – your will be done; v. 10

b. First, may his kingdom take hold of me!

i. Through his Word and by his Spirit, in community.

c. Second, This is a prayer of gospel proclamation - and for people to believe and receive the good news.

d. Let his kingdom come into your heart and soul!

Let Jesus be your king!

e. Third, This is also an eschatological prayer – for Jesus our King to return – and establish his kingdom fully!

f. This prayer confesses that the world is desperately in need of Jesus our King!

***“your will be done... (Not on slides...)

g. A prayer of trust in God’s ways and character.

h. A submission to his sovereignty.

*** first half of the prayer – God-centered! (not self)

4. “Give us daily bread” - Yes, Pray For Personal Needs: v. 11

a. Daily bread

b. Now – weekly grocery!

c. Monthly paycheque

d. Government safety net

e. Person to person... church community sharing/giving

Remember who provides – and remember to ask him.

**Our needs are tempered by our satisfaction & Contentment in Christ!

This is also a prayer for a healthy society/economy/supply chain etc...

**Prays against corruption! (in so many countries – all?)

*Saying grace is an excellent spiritual discipline.

What is your need?

Physical

Emotional

Relational

God is our Father...provider...teacher... he sent the HS

5. “Forgive us our debts, as we forgive”... v. 12