THE MODEL PRAYER

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!