Matthew 6:5-14

Jesus Teaches How to Pray

( Lord's Prayer )

 

6 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.

 

7 And when you pray, do not keep on babbling like pagans, for they think they will be heard because of their many words.

 

8 Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him.

 

9 After this manner therefore pray ye:

 

Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.

 

10 Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.

 

11 Give us this day our daily bread.

 

12 And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.

 

13 And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.

 

 

14 For if you forgive men when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you.

 

15 But if you do not forgive men their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins."

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This is the Word of the Lord ... It is meant to change the way that we think, and the way that we live.

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Commentary by Bob Pardue

The Lord's Prayer

Why Pray in Secret?

Many people of Jesus' day prayed in public places so that they would be seen by others. I like to think of this as their "fifteen minutes of fame". We, as humans like to be recognized for our accomplishments and the Jewish people and leaders were no different.

Jesus says it is much better to go to a private place to pray. This way the prayer is between you and God with no distractions and no possibility to take credit for being a "religious" person in plain view of others.

When to Pray

We can pray anytime or anywhere when the need strikes us but making prayer a part of our daily lives will keep us in touch with God consistently.

Make an appointment with God to pray on a daily basis and find a quiet place where you will not be interrupted. You will find that your ties with God will strengthen by praying in this way.

Prayer for the Right Reasons

God knows our hearts and minds so when we pray in public and get a feeling of superiority to others who don't pray in public let's remember the words of Christ and become humble again.

Chants

The "many words" Jesus speaks of in verses 7 & 8 may refer to chanting. Repeating the same words over and over as if God is keeping count of how many times a request is made.

God does know what we need before we ask so why pray at all?

Prayer is an effort on our part to let God know that we depend on Him and trust Him with our most inner thoughts and needs. If we pray sincerely and ask like a little child, God will answer; not always in the way we expect Him to but in a way that is in His will ("Your will be done") for our lives.

Take a moment to go back and pray the Lord's Prayer and ask God to do His will in your life. I am going back to say this prayer now so please join me.

Love in Christ

- Bob

Matthew 5:33-37 - Jesus Teaches about Vows