Matthew 6:7-13

“Is prayer your steering wheel, or your spare tire?”

All religions teach their followers to pray.

But what makes Christianity different is that prayer is not merely for us to get something. It is something more!

Prayer is a communion with God. An intimate time with God. Like a child talking to his or her father.

In comparison to other religions, the God of the Bible is near and and is willing to listen.

but Believe it or not, people will usually pray when we’re out of option. like “mag-ampo nalang gyud ta ani kay wa na tay mahimo”.

People usually use prayer as a spare tyre rather than a steering wheel

When all else fail…then pray...

when it should not be the case...

Instead, prayer should be like a steering wheel that directs us to the right direction.

But sadly, many people doesn't know how to use prayer as steering wheel.

Here in this passage, Jesus is teaching his followers a pattern on how to pray to God.

Matt. 6:7-8

Matthew 6:7–8 NASB95

7 “And when you are praying, do not use meaningless repetition as the Gentiles do, for they suppose that they will be heard for their many words. 8 “So do not be like them; for your Father knows what you need before you ask Him.

Prayer is not just saying repetitious words, but communicating to someone who is dear to you (God and Father)

Not so that God will know your need but for you to acknowledge your need for God.

I. Right Prayer is anchored on God and His glory!

Matthew 6:9–10 NASB95

9 “Pray, then, in this way: ‘Our Father who is in heaven, Hallowed be Your name. 10 ‘Your kingdom come. Your will be done, On earth as it is in heaven.

Verse 9-10 contains 3 petitions that deals with our relationship with God, verses 11-13 contains another 3 petitions that deals with our relationship with others human beings.

This pattern indicates that disciples should have more concern for God than we do for ourselves.

We should put His interests first in our praying, as in all our living.

All the petitions have some connection with the kingdom.

a. We are to see and address God as Father who loves and cares for His children.

“The term Father was almost never used to speak of God or to address Him in prayer in the Old Testament. But in the New Testament, Jesus brought us into an intimate relationship with the Father, breaking down the partition symbolized by the veil in the temple. Jesus gave us the incomparable privilege of calling God “Father.” In a general sense, God is the Father of all since He is the creator of all. But actually, The term Father in reference to God is exclusive to His followers.

John 1:12–13 NASB95

12 But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, even to those who believe in His name, 13 who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God.

Only those who believe in Jesus are called his Sons and who has the right to call God Father. In other words, calling God “Father” without the proper credential of sonship is an act of presumption. This is why Jesus came to earth, lived a perfect life, died, and rose again to pay the penalty of our sins so that those who believe will receive the gift of eternal life. This offer of salvation is for all! to you and me! Application: When you are a follower of Jesus, you can have the confidence to call God, Father and that He will listen to you. He is the kind of Father who loves unconditionally. He is the kind of Father who is so patient and understanding. Unlike our earthly fathers who fails at times... b. The top priority for the Christian is to see that God’s name is kept holy, for it is holy.

Matthew 6:9 NASB95

9 “Pray, then, in this way: ‘Our Father who is in heaven, Hallowed be Your name.

His initial request was that the name of God be hallowed. It is the Greek word hagios, which is literally translated “holy” which means “set-apart”. He is the heavenly one; we are of the earth. He is perfect; we are imperfect. He is infinite; we are finite. He is holy; we are unholy. We must never forget that God is wholly “other” than we.” Application: Honoring God in your workplace. c. The next priority for the Christian is to see God’s Kingdom to be visible on earth.

Matthew 6:10 NASB95

10 ‘Your kingdom come. Your will be done, On earth as it is in heaven.

One central motif in the Scriptures is the kingdom of God. It was the main thrust of Jesus’ teaching and preaching. “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand” (Matt. 3:2).” Jesus is King of the universe. That is the fact of the ascension. This reality, however, is not believed or acknowledged by the world. Though that kingship is an established fact, it is invisible to the world in which we live. In heaven, there is no question about it. On the earth, there is considerable question about it. Jesus was saying that we must pray that the kingdom of God will become visible on the earth, that the invisible will be made visible. Application: This calls for the people of God to be odience to the will of God. How? Be God’s reprsentative by Honoring God in your workplace. See yourself as a channel of God’s blessings so that others might know who God is and that they may experience the love of God. Be the hands and feet of God who brings good news. How should this truth affect your prayer? When you pray for the result of the Union election this coming May 28, consider these truths about God.

Proverbs 16:9 NASB95

9 The mind of man plans his way, But the Lord directs his steps.

Our earthly Father will not say yes to every request that we make…only those that are beneficial to us…and only those they are capable of giving.

But with God, He knows what is benefitial to us, He is sovereign and capable, and he is willing to give what is best for his children.

ILLUSTRATION:

To eyes of the unbelieving world, the death of Jesus (a wise man) is a waste of life and was for nothing.

But to eyes of God the Father, the death of Jesus on the cross was everything for it gave eternal life to those who believe in Him!

Jesus prayed to the Father before his arrest,

Matthew 26:39 NASB95

39 And He went a little beyond them, and fell on His face and prayed, saying, “My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from Me; yet not as I will, but as You will.”

If The Father gave His precious Son, can he not give you your daily needs?

May we ALIGN our prayers to the will of God...

May we SUBMIT to the will of God...

Whether a yes or a no.

If it brings glory to God, then "Lord, Thy will be done”.