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Scripture Reading: Matthew 6:9-15

Lord, Teach Us To Pray

(Matthew 6:9-15)

 

Intro.

1.  Called the Lord's Prayer, yet it is a prayer for disciples, Matt. 6:9-15.

  a.  The Model Prayer: Jesus taught disciples how to properly approach the Father in prayer, Matt. 6:5-8 (Lk. 11:1).

  b.  Matt. 6:9: "In this manner" - Example of the content and motives of prayer (what, why and how, Lk. 11:2)

2.  Christians must be prayerful people...Lord, teach us to pray!

 

I.  God's Paternity: "Our Father (who art) in heaven", Matt. 6:9.

  A.  Recognize our Relationship with God.

    1.  God is our Provider and Protector.

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

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

  B.  God Rules from Heaven and is in Control, Psa. 11:4; Heb. 12:9. He is Sovereign, therefore, trust Him, submit to Him and be blessed.

 

II.  GOD'S PERSON: "Hallowed be Your name." Matt. 6:9

  A.  God is Holy and Must be Revered by Man, Psa. 111.9.

    1.  Hallowed: "To render or acknowledge" as holy. Lev. 11:44

    2.  His name is celebrated, venerated and esteemed as holy.

    3.  In prayer we acknowledge God's holiness.

    4.  We live in holiness as obedient children, 1 Pet. 1:14-16.

 

III.  GOD'S PROGRAM: "Your kingdom come", Matt. 6:10.

  A.  Kingdom: Sovereignty, Royal Power and Rule.

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

      a.  Christ came to establish it, not an earthly reign, Jno. 18:36.

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

    2.  Our prayers should recognize God's purposes and sovereign reign over the church. They should contain supplications for its growth, maturity and safety.

 

IVGod's Purposes: "Your will be done", Matt. 6:10.

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

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

    2.  "On earth as it is in heaven", Matt. 6:10.

      a.  Universally, 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", Matt. 6:11.

  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" - We rely on God each day; without Him we would perish!

 

VI. GOD'S PARDON: "And forgive us our debts", Matt. 6:12.

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

     -Christian confesses sins to God (in repentance) and He forgives, 1 Jno. 1:9 (Psa. 32:5).

  B.  God Forgives Us Just As We Forgive Others, Matt. 6:12.

    1.  God's Proviso: "As we forgive our debtors" Matt. 6:14-15.

    2.  A basis upon which we may plead for forgiveness, Lk. 11:4.

    3.  If we will not forgive we will not be forgiven, Matt. 7:2; 18:33-35.

 

VII.  GOD'S PROTECTION: "And do not lead us into temptation, But deliver us from the evil one", Matt. 6:13.

  A.  Pray not to be Led into Temptation, Matt. 26:41 (Lk. 22:40).

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

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

 

VIII.  GOD'S PREEMINENCE AND PRAISE: "For yours is the Kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen." Matt. 6:13

  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, mindless exercise.

2.  Prayer is not a ritual or ceremony; It is not a display for others.

3.  Prayer is communication with the God of the Universe; Our Heavenly Father! Gal. 4:6

  -Every honor, reverence, praise and humility must attend our prayers.

4.  Christians have full confidence that God hears and answers our prayers, 1 Jno. 5:14-15.