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.

IV. God'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.