Praying 101: Matt. 6:5-15

I. How Not To Pray vs. 5, 7-8

A. Don’t pray to be seen and heard. This is a conversation with Yahweh (Man quoting chapter and verse in prayer ill)

B. Don’t just use phrases that others use. Be Yourself! Think about what you are saying!

C. Also, don’t think that if you pray a ritualistic prayer that it’s magic words to get God on your side (Rosary/Novina ex)

II. How to Pray vs. 6, 9-15

A. The room or closet was a hidden room, that had a fake wall with a cabinet or piece of furniture in front of it. It was that closet that you kept you most prized possessions. Jesus is using this as a picture of getting alone and praying from your heart. Pray for what matters most like it matters!

B. God will answer your prayers as part of the reward. (Yes, no, wait ex) (Garth Brooks ex)

C. Our Earthly Father gives us a picture, be it good or bad of how we think about God. We should be able to realize that our Heavenly Father is perfect and loves us conditionally even when or where our earthly Dad’s have failed us.