DISCIPLESHIP JOURNEY: TEACH US HOW TO PRAY

DISCIPLESHIP JOURNEY: TEACH US HOW TO PRAY

Monday, March 24, 2014

The following is written from notes taken and thoughts provoked during Pastor Paul Marine’s Sunday sermon. All Scripture is from NIV Matthew 6:5-15 as presented by Pastor.  EBB4

  “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.  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.” (Mt.6:5-8)

  Jesus explained:

·         9 “This, then, is how you should pray: “‘Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name,”

To begin with let us understand that though commonly referred to as “The Lord’s Prayer”, it is His template for praying . . . beginning with reverent acknowledgment of God; we that trust Him being John 1:12 family. Please also note Psalm 68:5-6.

·         10 “your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.”

And because of who He is, “I AM THAT I AM” (Ex.3:14), and that we live by His grace, but should seek His will in all things, something that runs against the grain of USA self-actualization freedom-mentality. (Eph.5:10; Lam.3:22-23)

·         11 “Give us today our daily bread.”

This also is a bit of a mental/emotional stickler living in a nation of abundant supermarkets stocking variety of foods that were considered luxuries or eaten only in local season not too many years ago. It’s not just a problem feeling dependent on Him every day, but also being thankful for His provision.

·         12 And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors.

How often do we rely on before the comma but forget the requirement after the comma?

·         13 And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.’

Would God treat us any differently than His own Son? (Mt.4:1) However it is, God always provides a “way of escape”. (1Cor.10:13)

  CHALLENGE FOR THE WEEK: Thinking about John 1:12 family . . . personalize prayer substituting “me” for “us”. Say it once every day . . . one verse at a time, then pause quietly and listen so as to hear what god may have to say to you.