Part 1: Jesus' Model Prayer
CASE STUDIES IN PRAYER
PART 1
Matthew 6:5-15
1. WHAT YOU MUST HAVE BEFORE YOU PRAY:
You need to want to know God better.
“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. 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.” Matthew 6:5-6 (NIV)
You’ve got to know you have a relationship with God based on grace.
“And when you pray, do not keep on babbling like pagans, for they think they will be heard because of their many words. Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask Him. This, then, is how you should pray: ‘Our Father in heaven, hallowed be Your name, Your kingdom come, Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.’” Matthew 6:7-10 (NIV)
You need to be forgiving.
“But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.” Matthew 6:15 (NIV)
2. WHAT YOU NEED AS YOU PRAY:
Adoring.
“Our Father in heaven, hallowed be Your name.” Matthew 6:9 (NIV)
Surrendering.
“Your kingdom come, Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us today our daily bread.” Matthew 6:10-11 (NIV)
Asking.
“Your kingdom come, Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread.” Matthew 6:10-11 (ESV)
Make me a forgiving person.
“And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors… For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.” Matthew 6:12, 14-15 (NIV)
Make me a person who can handle trials and difficulties.
“And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.” Matthew 6:13 (NIV)
Look to Jesus as the example of the model prayer.
MY NEXT STEP TODAY IS:
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This Week’s Reading Plan and Blog/Podcast:
YouVersion® Bible App Reading Plan:
“The Lord’s Prayer: Exploring the Depth of God” (5 days)Blog and Podcast: “The Prayer of Jesus”