Christ’s Teaching on Prayer
References: Matt 6:5-15; Luke 11:1-13
A. Encouragement for Private Prayer 1. Matt 6:5-8
B. Examples of Model Prayer 1. Matt 6:9-15 2. Luke 11:1-13
Encouragement for Private Prayer, Matt 6:5-8
1. be honest (not be as the hypocrites), v5 a. Matt 23:14 b. Luke 18:9-14
2. be free of distraction (enter into thy closet), v6 a. doesn’t mean there is no public prayer, Luke 18:13 b. reward thee openly, Matt 5:14-16
3. be steadfast & faithful (use not vain repetitions), v7 a. doesn’t mean we can’t memorize, Psa 119:11
4. be humble & reverent (for your Father knoweth), v8 a. Isa 59:1 (ESV), Behold, the LORD's hand is not shortened, that it cannot save, or his ear dull, that it cannot hear; b. doesn’t mean we can’t continue to ask - Matt 7:7-11 - Luke 18:1 (ESV), And he told them a parable to the effect that they ought always to pray and not lose heart. (see also Luke 18:2-8) - 2 Cor 12:8 (ESV), Three times I pleaded with the Lord about this, that it should leave me. - Matt 26:44 (ESV), So, leaving them again, he went away and prayed for the third time, saying the same words again |