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Bible Reading - Matthew 6:5–13

·4 mins
sermon notes

Bible Reading #

Matthew 6:5–13 #

Notes: #

Why a sermon series on prayer? #

  • Because Jesus commanded us to, and gave us a model by which we are to pray1
  • Scripture is filled with admonition to pray and examples of the prayers of God’s people 2
  • Prayer is about the glory of God, it is not about us3

The Lord’s prayer reminds us that when we pray there are priorities, matters that concern God first and foremost when we speak with Him #

  • The phrase “when you pray,” repeated as it is, speaks to the assumption that we are to be people of prayer.4
  • Christ begins by admonishing us about how not to pray
  • The heart, and inner person must match what is on the external.
  • Do not be like the the hypocrites.
  • This is not what we consider a hypocrite today. This is someone who is acting like a Christian, but they do not truly possess it.
  • Do not pray like the gentiles.
  • Who offer many empty phrases.
  • Do not offer “routine, semiconscious religious experiences.”
  • Pray in private
  • This is in antidote to the first point on not being like the hypocrites. It is not a prohibition against public prayer.
  • In prayer, make God your sole audience.

Admonitions #

  • Be diligent in prayer56
  • Seek a partner in prayer7
  • Join in corporate prayer for the service and administration of His Word.

  1. Then Jesus went with them to a place called Gethsemane, and he said to his disciples, “Sit here, while I go over there and pray.” And taking with him Peter and the two sons of Zebedee, he began to be sorrowful and troubled. Then he said to them, “My soul is very sorrowful, even to death; remain here, and watch with me.” And going a little farther he fell on his face and prayed, saying, “My Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as you will.” And he came to the disciples and found them sleeping. And he said to Peter, “So, could you not watch with me one hour? Watch and pray that you may not enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.” Again, for the second time, he went away and prayed, “My Father, if this cannot pass unless I drink it, your will be done.” And again he came and found them sleeping, for their eyes were heavy. So, leaving them again, he went away and prayed for the third time, saying the same words again. Then he came to the disciples and said to them, “Sleep and take your rest later on. See, the hour is at hand, and the Son of Man is betrayed into the hands of sinners. Rise, let us be going; see, my betrayer is at hand.” (Matthew 26:36-46, ESV) ↩︎

  2. do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:6-7, ESV) ↩︎

  3. Whatever you ask in my name, this I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. (John 14:13, ESV) ↩︎

  4. And when you pray, you must not be like the hypocrites. For they love to stand and pray in the synagogues and at the street corners, that they may be seen by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. (Matthew 6:5, ESV) But when you pray, go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you. (Matthew 6:6, ESV) And when you pray, do not heap up empty phrases as the Gentiles do, for they think that they will be heard for their many words. (Matthew 6:7, ESV) ↩︎

  5. that their hearts may be encouraged, being knit together in love, to reach all the riches of full assurance of understanding and the knowledge of God’s mystery, which is Christ, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. I say this in order that no one may delude you with plausible arguments. For though I am absent in body, yet I am with you in spirit, rejoicing to see your good order and the firmness of your faith in Christ. (Colossians 2:2-5, ESV) ↩︎

  6. pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. (1 Thessalonians 5:17-18, ESV) ↩︎

  7. Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil. For if they fall, one will lift up his fellow. But woe to him who is alone when he falls and has not another to lift him up! (Ecclesiastes 4:9-10, ESV) ↩︎

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