Why I Take the Lord's Prayer Seriously
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Matthew 6:9-13 Why I take the Lord’s Prayer Seriously Presented by: Dennis Fuqua www.lppress.net Matthew 6:9-13 WHY I TAKE THE LORD’S PRAYER SERIOUSLY ๏ Since prayer is such an essential topic, why hasn’t He made it more clear? ๏ Why hasn’t God just come down out of heaven and told us the best way to pray? ๏ Wouldn’t it be great if we could ask Him how He wants us to pray, and have Him answer us? ๏ Why hasn’t He just said, “This is how I want you to pray” or, “When you pray, pray like this…”? WHY I TAKE THE LORD’S PRAYER SERIOUSLY WHY I TAKE THE LORD’S PRAYER SERIOUSLY Obedience Matthew 6:9-13 WHY I TAKE THE LORD’S PRAYER SERIOUSLY [Obedience Factor] ๏ First, notice Who is giving the instructions ๏ Next, notice it was given on two occasions ๏ Matthew 6 – Jesus-initiated as a key part of His instructions on spiritual disciplines ๏ Luke 11 – disciple-initiated in response to seeing Jesus pray Matthew 6:9-13 Two different settings, Two different occasions, Two different mountains, Separated by many miles and many months Matthew 6:9-13 WHY I TAKE THE LORD’S PRAYER SERIOUSLY So, maybe when Jesus said “When you pray, pray like this…” Perhaps He actually meant it! ☺ WHY I TAKE THE LORD’S PRAYER SERIOUSLY ๏ Now, notice what Scripture says about hearing and responding ๏ John 13:17 “Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them.” ๏ James 1:22 “Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.” ๏ Matthew 7:24-27 WHY I TAKE THE LORD’S PRAYER SERIOUSLY HeardHeard Jesus Jesus ๏ Now, notice PutPut them them into into practice practice what Scripture says about WiseWise Man Man hearing and SolidSolid foundation foundation - Rock- Rock responding ExperiencedExperienced a astorm storm ๏ John 13:17 Survived the storm ๏ James 1:22 Survived the storm ๏ Matthew 7:24-27 WHY I TAKE THE LORD’S PRAYER SERIOUSLY HeardHeard Jesus Jesus Heard Jesus ๏ Now, notice PutPut them them into into practice practice Did not put them into what Scripture practice says about WiseWise Man Man Foolish man hearing and SolidSolid foundation foundation - Rock- Rock Weak foundation - Sand responding ExperiencedExperienced a astorm storm Experienced a storm ๏ John 13:17 Survived the storm Was destroyed in the storm ๏ James 1:22 Survived the storm ๏ Matthew 7:24-27 Obedience Practical Matthew 6:9-13 WHY I TAKE THE LORD’S PRAYER SERIOUSLY [Practical Factor] ๏ Simply looking carefully at the content of this prayer demands that we take it seriously ๏ I can’t think of a better pattern for prayer. Can you? ๏ Seven requests covering all of God’s heart - and all of our needs Matthew 6:9-13 WHY I TAKE THE LORD’S PRAYER SERIOUSLY Our Father, which art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil, for thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen. Matthew 6:9-13 WHY I TAKE THE LORD’S PRAYER SERIOUSLY Our Father in Heaven 1. Let Your name be holy 2. Let Your kingdom come On earth as it is in 3. Let Your will be done ] Heaven Matthew 6:9-13 WHY I TAKE THE LORD’S PRAYER SERIOUSLY Our Father in Heaven 1. Let Your name be holy 2. Let Your kingdom come On earth as it is in 3. Let Your will be done ] Heaven 4. Give us this day our daily bread 5. Forgive us our debts as we forgive our debtors 6. Lead us not into temptation 7. Deliver us from the evil one For the kingdom, and the power, and the glory are Yours forever. Amen Obedience Practical Relational Matthew 6:9-13 WHY I TAKE THE LORD’S PRAYER SERIOUSLY [Relational Factor] ๏ It is not primarily about prayer, it is primarily about a deeper relationship with the Triune God ๏ The level of all my relationships is determined and defined by the level of my communication in those relationships ๏ My relationship with God is my most important relationship Matthew 6:9-13 WHY I TAKE THE LORD’S PRAYER SERIOUSLY ๏ Therefore the level of my communication with God (my prayer life) defines and determines the level of my most important relationship ๏ The more I pray, the more I grow; the more I grow, the more I pray Matthew 6:9-13 WHY I TAKE THE LORD’S PRAYER SERIOUSLY ๏ Notice what this prayer teaches us about God ‣ He is our Father – we can relate to Him ‣ He is Heavenly – we canNOT relate to Him ‣ His name is the most holy name we will ever hear ‣ His kingdom is the best form of government we will ever be exposed to ‣ Following His will is the most fulfilling invitation we will ever receive Matthew 6:9-13 WHY I TAKE THE LORD’S PRAYER SERIOUSLY ‣ He is the best Giver ever ‣ He is the best Forgiver ever. ‣ He is the best Leader ever ‣ He is the best Deliverer ever Obedience The Practical Lord’s Prayer Relational How YOU can take the Lord’s Prayer Seriously Hear and Read a copy Attend The Download a free Practice respond to of Living Living Prayer copy of the 10 week Practice this message Prayer: The Seminar study guide from Lord’s Prayer www.lppress.net Practice Alive in You and work your way through it with others ๏ Matthew 6:9-13 WHY I TAKE THE LORD’S PRAYER SERIOUSLY Our Father in Heaven 1. Let Your name be holy 2. Let Your kingdom come On earth as it is in 3. Let Your will be done ] Heaven 4. Give us this day our daily bread 5. Forgive us our debts as we forgive our debtors 6. Lead us not into temptation 7. Deliver us from the evil one For the kingdom, and the power, and the glory are Yours forever. Amen.