Christian Disciplines - Part 7, Prayer

Christ’s Teaching on Prayer

References: Matt 6:5-15; Luke 11:1-13

A. Encouragement for Private Prayer

1. Matt 6:5-8

B. Examples of Model Prayer

1. Matt 6:9-15
2. Luke 11:1-13

Encouragement for Private Prayer, Matt 6:5-8

1. be honest (not be as the hypocrites), v5
   a. Matt 23:14
   b. Luke 18:9-14

2. be free of distraction (enter into thy closet), v6
   a. doesn’t mean there is no public prayer, Luke 18:13
   b. reward thee openly, Matt 5:14-16

3. be steadfast & faithful (use not vain repetitions), v7
   a. doesn’t mean we can’t memorize, Psa 119:11

4. be humble & reverent (for your Father knoweth), v8
   a. Isa 59:1 (ESV), Behold, the LORD's hand is not shortened, that it cannot save, or his ear dull, that it cannot hear;
   b. doesn’t mean we can’t continue to ask

• Matt 7:7-11
• Luke 18:1 (ESV), And he told them a parable to the effect that they ought always to pray and not lose heart. (see also Luke 18:2-8)
• 2 Cor 12:8 (ESV), Three times I pleaded with the Lord about this, that it should leave me.
• Matt 26:44 (ESV), So, leaving them again, he went away and prayed for the third time, saying the same words again