Sermon on 19 Jun 2022 by Ps Gaius
Introduction
Our Father in heaven desires us to talk to Him in the way He wants us to. Let us find out how we should talk to Him.
Message
The Lord’s prayer can be found in Matthew 6:9-13.
9 In this manner, therefore, pray: Our Father in heaven, Hallowed be Your name. 10 Your kingdom come. Your will be done on 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 do not lead us into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one. For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen. – Matthew 6:9-13
What was the context in which these words were spoken? This was Jesus’ preaching on the mount. He was sharing what it means to be blessed – one way is to give to the poor, another is to pray, and a third is to fast. These are good habits that Christians can have. Jesus emphasized that it is not only about doing the right thing, but to do it with the right heart and mindset.
“And when you pray, you shall not be like the hypocrites. For they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the corners of the streets, that they may be seen by men. Assuredly, I say to you, they have their reward. But you, when you pray, go into your room, and when you have shut your door, pray to your Father who is in the secret place; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly. – Matthew 6:5-6
Pray secretly. Do not do it to claim credit. Jesus prayed in quiet places, away from people. When we commit to the Lord, He will open the way for us if we remain faithful to Him. He is always faithful and wants to bless us with good things.
Jesus also talked about what is not right. Pray specifically. Do not use vain repetitions. Our prayer does not need to be overly long, or to have big words, but it must be sincere. God is omniscient. He knows everything. He knows what we need even before we ask. But we still ask Him because we have a relationship with Him.
And when you pray, do not use vain repetitions as the heathen do. For they think that they will be heard for their many words. Therefore do not be like them. For your Father knows the things you have need of before you ask Him. In this manner, therefore, pray: Our Father in heaven, Hallowed be Your name. – Matthew 6:7-9
Talking with God involves adoration. We praise God. We call Him “our Father”. We proclaim “hallowed be Your name”. He is holy.
Your kingdom come. Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. – Matthew 6:10
Talking with God involves confession. We must have humility and ask for forgiveness. Let us reconcile with others (“forgive our debtors”). The heart of the Father is one of mercy (Micah 1:8).
“For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses. – Matthew 6:14-15
When talking to God, let us have a heart of thanksgiving. Even in the wilderness, the Israelites had what they needed. They were not thankful. God wants to have a thankful conversation with us. Being in prayer allows us to have peace and not be anxious.
Give us this day our daily bread. – Matthew 6:11
Be anxious for nothing, 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 minds through Christ Jesus. - Philippians 4:6-7
Be in supplication. Ask for protection.
And do not lead us into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one. For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen. – Matthew 6:13
Is anyone among you suffering? Let him pray. Is anyone cheerful? Let him sing psalms. Is anyone among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer of faith will save the sick, and the Lord will raise him up. And if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven. Confess your trespasses to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much. – James 5:13-16
Closing
pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. - 1 Thessalonians 5:17
When talking with God, let us be faithful and thankful.
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