Matthew 6:9-15

Intro.

1. Called the "Lord’s Prayer," yet was not a prayer Jesus prayed.

a. v. 5-8 - Jesus taught how to properly approach the Father in prayer (cf. Lk. 11:2-4)

b. v. 9 - "After this manner" - Example of the content & motives of prayer (what, why & how).

2. Christians must be prayerful people…We need this model, too!

I. God's Paternity: "Our Father (who art) in heaven." - v. 9

A. Recognize Our Relationship With God.

1. God is our Provider & Protector.

2. He is our Father due to: Creation (Gen. 1:1), provision, preservation (Matt. 6:25-30), & redemption (Gal. 4:4-7; Rom. 8:16-17).

3. "Our" Father - cf. 2 Cor. 6:17-18.

B. God Rules From Heaven & Is In Control - Psa. 11:4; Heb. 12:9. - Therefore, submit to Him & live!

II. God's Person: "Hallowed be your name." - v. 9

A. God Is Holy & Must Be Revered By Man - Psa. 111.9.

1. Hallowed - "To render or acknowledge" as holy.

2. His name is celebrated, venerated & esteemed as holy!

3. In prayer we acknowledge God's holiness.

4. In life we live in holiness (obedient children) - 1 Pet. 1:14-16

III. God's Program: "Your kingdom come" - v. 10.

A. Kingdom: Sovereignty, Royal Power & Rule.

1. The kingdom is the church - Matt. 16:18-19.

a. Christ came to establish it, not an earthly reign.

b. Mk. 9:1 - Those living saw the kingdom come (Col. 1:13).

2. Our prayers should recognize God's sovereignty over the church & contain supplications for its growth, maturity & safety.

IV. God's Purposes: "Your will be done" - v. 10.

A. God’s Will Has Priority Over Our Will - Matt. 26:39, 42; Jno. 5:30; Jas. 4:15.

1. Eccl. 12:13 - Here is God's purpose for us!

2. "On earth as it is in heaven" - v. 10.

a. Completely, constantly, consistently, etc.

b. We must pray this and devote ourselves to this kind of service!

V. God's Provisions: Give us this day our daily bread" - v. 11.

A. God Is Our Provider - Matt. 6:31-33; 1 Tim. 4:4-5.

B. We Are Dependent Upon God - cf. Matt. 5:45; Phil. 4:19.

-"Daily" - Rely on God each day!

VI. God's Pardon: "And forgive us our debts, As we forgive our debtors" - v. 12.

A. We Need Forgiveness - Jno. 8:21, 34, 36; Eph. 1:7.

1. 1 Jno. 1:9 - Confess our sins to Him - He forgives!

B. God Forgives Us Just As We Forgive Others - v. 12.

1. A basis upon which we may plead for forgiveness - Lk. 11:4.

2. God's Proviso: If we cannot/will not forgive, we won’t be forgiven - 6:14-15 (7:2).

VII. God's Protection: "And do not lead us into temptation, But deliver us from the evil one" - v. 13.

A. Pray To Not Be Led Into Temptation - Matt. 26:41 (Lk. 22:40).

1. "Don't allow us to be led into temptation" (to not succumb to temptation).

2. 1 Cor. 10:13 - The way of escape (through faith).

VIII. God's Preeminence & Praise: "For yours is the Kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen." - v. 13

A. Prayer Is An Opportunity To Praise God - Rev. 4:11; 5:13-14.

B. Amen: "So It Is, So Be It, May It Be Fulfilled."

Conclusion

1. Prayer is not a casual, half-hearted exercise.

2. It is communication with the God of the Universe - Our Heavenly Father!

3. Every honor, reverence, praise & humility must attend our prayers.

4. Christians have every confidence that God hears & answers our prayers!