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