A Perfect Pattern for Prayer
Matthew 6:9–13
Introduction:
This really isn’t the Lord’s prayer. That is in John 17. This is actually the disciples’ prayer. There is no real problem with its repetition, but it doesn’t appear it was ever intended to be repeated “as is.”
The actual introduction reads: “This, then, is how you should pray …”
I. Premises
A. This is a matter of relationship
1. None but the child of God can pray this
2. It stresses that we are in a family relationship with Him
B. This is a matter of reverence
1. It marks off the difference and distance between us
2. It sounds a caution about over-familiarity
II. Principles
A. Stated
1. Concern for God’s name—the name stands for the person and for the person’s honor
2. Concern for God’s rule—the rule and reign of Christ and its growth in human hearts and its establishment on earth
3. Concern for God’s will—perfectly obeyed in heaven, it calls for such obedience on earth
B. Applied
1. It should condition all our prayer and rule out some prayer
2. It explains what appears to be unanswered prayer
3. It explains unrelieved suffering (Paul’s thorn in the flesh)
III. Petitions
A. For needs
1. This is a daily matter—“day by day” bread (our need for each day)
2. Involves: moderation, trust, dependence, humility, generosity
B. For forgiveness
1. This is critical—we are forgiven in salvation, but we must be forgiven as we go through life
2. p 18 This is conditional—this is difficult to understand, but it appears certain that many prayers are hindered because of unforgiveness and bitterness
C. For spiritual victory
1. Over things we can’t help—things that just happen along the course of life
2. Over things we experience—things that come from “the evil one”
IV. Perspective
A. You possess the rule
1. The kingdom is already yours
2. There is no question of who is in charge
B. You possess the power
1. Everything that is asked is within your ability
2. This stresses the point of prayer
C. You possess the glory
1. That is the “end view” item in the prayer
2. This brings the prayer back to its beginning
Conclusion:
Notice some things about this prayer:
Its brevity, its focus on God, its coverage of various areas: human need, human relationships, human spiritual development. This should teach us some things about prayer. What is your underlying purpose in prayer? Are you meeting the requirement regarding forgiveness? Are you achieving in prayer?
As James says: “… ye have not, because ye ask not. Ye ask, and receive not, because ye ask amiss.”
Charles R. Wood, Sermon Outlines on Gospel Passages (Grand Rapids, MI: Kregel Publications, 1998). 17-18.
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