Jesus Teaches on Prayer(Sermon on Mount) Matthew 6:5-15 I. Introduction. A. The disciples request: Luke 11:1. B. Jesus acknowledges their interest by teaching them the disciples� prayer(comment on contents). C. A more extensive discourse can be found in Matthew 6:5-15. 1. Incorporates the prayer Luke recorded. 2. Jesus points out that prayer is more than saying words. D. All disciples are to pray: as we learn and grow-- we pray with a greater understanding of prayer itself. 1. The disciples had to be taught: we need to learn as well. 2. Prayer is talking to our Father. II. Body. Read Matthew 6:5-15. A. Jesus deals first with improper prayer: v.5. 1. Christians never practice righteousness to bring glory to themselves. 2. Hypocrites seek glory and honor they neither earn nor deserve. a. They pray to be �seen of men.� b. The earthly attention is their reward. 3. Is Jesus condemning public praying? a. No--he is condemning hypocrisy. b. Motive is the key. 4. Improper praying could include: a. Asking for something that God will not do. b. Praying while not believing in the power of prayer. c. Using vain repetitions: (1 Gentile problems: v. 7. (2 Some religious organizations do repetitive phrases--over and over. (3 Vain carries the idea of empty: without substance--little meaning to the one praying. B. The prayer of a disciple is communion with one�s Father: v. 6. 1. To avoid the error of the Pharisees--direct your petitions to God-not to impress others. 2. Enables one to: I Thessalonians 5:17. 3. The disciple recognizes, as he prays, that answers come from God: �Father...recompense thee.� 4. One who belongs to the Lord believes God know one�s needs: �Father knows before we ask him.� a. Yet--we are given commands and examples that teach us to pray.(Some say: The Lord knows me.) b. We have help: Romans 8:26-27. 5. Hence: I Timothy 2:8. a. Praying helps eliminate strife. b. It is hard to hate one when you pray for them.(Why one prays for enemies) 6. Paul desired: I Thessalonians 5:25(several requests) 7. James taught: James 5:13-16. C. After this manner, pray: v. 9-13. 1. Glory to God: v. 9. a. Not angels, spirits or saints. b. Only divine being can accept and answer prayer. 2. Acceptance of God�s plan: v. 10. a. If one doubts: problem--James 1:6. b. Cannot try to persuade God to change His will(NT). 3.Acknowledgement of dependence: v. 11. a. Paul�s attitude: Philippians 4:19. b. Think about Elijah: James 5:17-18. c. Source of spiritual blessings: Ephesians 1:3. 4. Realization of need of forgiveness: v. 12. a. The Christian�s avenue for removing sin. b. Note: James 5:15. 5. Acceptance of God�s providence: v. 13. a. No man can do without God�s help b. Note: I Corinthians 10:13. c. Praying is a way of escape. D. An attitude that makes prayer acceptable: v.14-15. 1. Unacceptable to ask God to do what we will not do. 2. Men forgive you for offenses against humans/only God forgives and clears one of sin in all areas. 3. A lesson: Matthew 18:21-22 4. What if God put a limit on us? The number of times we could pray? Or ask forgiveness? III. Conclusion. A. Prayer is a part of every faithful disciples� life: use it daily. B. Keep the avenue open: Matthew 5:23-24.-jy