Matthew 6:9-13 - After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom
come. Thy will be done in 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.
The Sermon for this week is: Prayer That Pleases God - Matthew 6:5-15 - And when thou prayest, thou shalt not be as the
hypocrites are:
for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets, that they may
be seen of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward. But thou, when thou prayest,
enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth
in secret shall reward thee openly. But when ye pray, use not vain repetitions, as the heathen
do: for they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking.
Be not ye therefore like unto them: for your Father knoweth what things ye have need of, before ye
ask him. After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be
thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in 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, for ever. Amen. For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you: But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.
INTRODUCTION
1. A wonderful privilege enjoyed by the children of God is prayer...
a. Through prayer we can receive mercy and grace to help in time of need - Hebrews 4:14-16 - Seeing
then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession. For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but
was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly unto
the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.
b. Through prayer we can find peace that guards our hearts and mind - Philippians 4:6-7 - Be
careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto
God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
2. But the privilege of prayer assumes that God will heed our prayers...
a. Not all prayers are acceptable to God - cf. Proverbs 28:9 - He that turneth away his ear
from hearing the law, even his prayer shall be abomination.
b. Indeed, God does not hear the prayers of all men - cf. Isaiah 59:1-2 - Behold, the
LORD'S hand is not shortened, that it cannot save; neither his ear heavy, that it cannot hear: But your iniquities have separated
between you and your God, and your sins have hid his face from you, that he will not hear.
; 1 Peter 3:12 - For the eyes of the Lord are over the righteous, and his ears are open unto their prayers: but the face of the Lord is against
them that do evil.
c. Jesus described the prayer of one man which did not please God - Luke 18:9-14 - And he spake
this parable unto certain which trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and despised others: Two
men went up into the temple to pray; the one a Pharisee, and the other a publican. The Pharisee
stood and prayed thus with himself, God, I thank thee, that I am not as other men are,
extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this publican. I fast
twice in the week, I give tithes of all that I possess. And the publican, standing afar off,
would not lift up so much as his eyes unto heaven, but smote
upon his breast, saying, God be merciful to me a sinner. I tell you, this man went down to
his house justified rather than the other: for every one
that exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted.
3. Do we know what qualifies as “Prayer That Pleases God”?
a. In His sermon on the mount, Jesus had much to say about prayer
b. Especially the kind of prayer which finds favor in God’s sight
[In this study, let’s take a look at - Matthew 6:5-15 - And when thou prayest, thou shalt not be as the hypocrites are:
for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets, that they may
be seen of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward. But thou, when thou prayest,
enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth
in secret shall reward thee openly. But when ye pray, use not vain repetitions, as the heathen
do: for they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking.
Be not ye therefore like unto them: for your Father knoweth what things ye have need of, before ye
ask him. After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be
thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in 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, for ever. Amen. For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you: But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses., where Jesus
taught His disciples regarding prayer. First, we find Jesus telling us...]
I. WHAT NOT TO DO IN REGARDS TO PRAYER
A. DO NOT BE LIKE THE HYPOCRITES...
1. Who love to pray...
a. Standing in the synagogues
b. On the corners of the streets
2. This they do “that they may be seen of men” - Matthew 6:5 - And when thou prayest, thou shalt not be as the hypocrites are: for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets, that they may be seen of men. Verily
I say unto you, They have their reward.
B. “THEY HAVE THEIR REWARD...”
1. That is, they are indeed seen by men
2. But that is the extent of their reward (the praise of men)
3. They have no reward or blessing from God!
C. JESUS IS NOT CONDEMNING ALL PUBLIC PRAYING...
1. Evident from the fact that He Himself prayed in public - Matthew 11:25 - At that time Jesus
answered and said, I thank thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because thou hast hid these
things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes. ; John 11:41 - Then they took away
the stone from the place where the dead was laid. And Jesus lifted up his eyes, and said, Father, I thank thee that thou hast heard me.
2. As did Paul - Acts 27:35 - And when he had thus spoken, he took bread, and gave thanks to
God in presence of them all: and when he had broken it, he began to eat.
[The emphasis is the same as stated in Matthew 6:1 - Take heed that
ye do not your alms before men, to be seen of them: otherwise ye have no reward of your Father which is in
heaven. How, then, are we to pray as to be heard by God...?]
II. ELEMENTS OF PROPER PRAYER
A. OFFERED TO BE SEEN OF GOD, NOT MEN...
1. This is the main idea of “praying in secret” - Matthew 6:6 - But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in
secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly.
2. “The sincere and humble worshiper, one who is not interested in making a public display for the
sake of enhancing his prestige, will find the secluded nook or den to be most appropriate for his devotions." (unknown)
3. The person who prays much in secret is praying to be seen of God, not men!
B. OFFERED TO BE HEARD OF GOD, NOT MEN...
1. Avoiding the use of “vain repetitions” - Matthew 6:7 - But
when ye pray, use not vain repetitions, as the heathen do: for
they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking.
a. As was often practiced by the heathen religions
b. “The heathen tried to tire out their gods with such endless prayers. Mere formulas were repeated
over and over again; the Jews had such prayer formulas, Catholics also have them in the form of their rosary.” (Lenski)
2. This is not condemning all repetition, but “vain” (insincere, useless) repetition
a. Jesus repeated Himself in prayer at Gethsemane - Matthew 26:36-44 - Then
cometh Jesus with them unto a place called Gethsemane, and saith unto the disciples, Sit ye here,
while I go and pray yonder. And he took with him Peter and the two sons of Zebedee, and began to be sorrowful and very
heavy. Then saith he unto them, My soul is exceeding sorrowful, even unto death: tarry ye here, and
watch with me. And he went a little further, and fell on his face, and prayed, saying, O my
Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me: nevertheless not as I will, but as thou wilt.
And he cometh unto the disciples, and findeth them asleep, and saith unto Peter, What, could ye not
watch with me one hour? Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed
is willing, but the flesh is
weak. He went away again the second time, and prayed, saying, O my
Father, if this cup may not pass away from me, except I drink it, thy will be done. And he came and found them asleep
again: for their eyes were heavy. And he left them, and went away again, and prayed the third time, saying the same words.
b. Paul repeated his requests concerning his “thorn in the flesh” - 2 Corinthians 12:7-8
- And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn
in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure. For this thing I besought the Lord
thrice, that it might depart from me.
3. Since “your Father knows the things you have need of before you ask Him,” prayers to be
heard by God do not have to be filled with superfluous words
a. Have you ever noted the brevity of prayers recorded in the Scriptures?
b. God is not swayed the by quantity of words, but by the quality of the heart!
C. OFFERED ACCORDING TO THE PATTERN...
1. The phrase “in this manner” suggests that this prayer...
a. Is a pattern for praying
b. Not a liturgical exercise as sometimes practiced
2. The pattern of proper prayer:
a. First, simplicity
1) Notice the word “therefore”
a) It connects what follows with what was said before
b) Jesus' pattern for prayer is an “illustration” in contrast to the “many words”
used
by the heathen
2) In the prayer itself, note the brevity of words
b. Then, in its content, proper prayer includes...
1) Reverence for God and His “Name” (i.e., His being and character) - Matthew 6:9 - After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.
2) Prayer for the progress of God's Kingdom and His Will on the earth - Matthew 6:10 - Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.
3) Asking for physical necessities Matthew 6:11 - Give us this day
our daily bread.
4) Also, our spiritual needs
a) Forgiveness of sins - Matthew 6:12 - And forgive us our debts,
as we forgive our debtors.
b) Protection and deliverance from evil - Matthew 6:13 - And lead us
not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.
5) Praising God - Mt 6:13
D. OFFERED WITH A MERCIFUL SPIRIT...
1. As indicated in the pattern prayer itself - Matthew 6:12 - And forgive
us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. ; Matthew 6:14-15 - For if ye forgive
men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you: But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will
your Father forgive your trespasses.
2. Otherwise, we cannot expect mercy for ourselves - cf. Matthew 18:21-23 - Then came Peter to
him, and said, Lord, how oft shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? till seven times? Jesus saith unto him, I say not unto thee, Until seven times: but, Until seventy times seven. Therefore is the kingdom of heaven
likened unto a certain king, which would take account of his servants. ; James 2:13 - For he shall have judgment
without mercy, that hath shewed no mercy; and mercy rejoiceth against judgment.
3. This must be very important to Jesus, for this is the only part of the pattern He upon which He elaborates!
CONCLUSION
1. This is not the only occasion in which Jesus taught on prayer...
a. Later, His disciples would ask Him to teach them to pray - Luke 11:1-4
- And it came to pass, that, as he was praying in a certain place, when he ceased, one of his disciples said unto him,
Lord, teach us to pray, as John also taught his disciples. And he said unto them, When ye pray, say,
Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done, as in heaven, so in earth. Give
us day by day our daily bread. And forgive us our sins; for we also forgive every one that
is indebted to us. And lead us not into temptation; but deliver us from evil.
b. He taught them about the importance of persistence, faith and humility in
prayer - Luke 11:5-13 - And he said unto them, Which of you shall have a friend, and shall
go unto him at midnight, and say unto him, Friend, lend me three loaves; For a friend of mine
in his journey is come to me, and I have nothing to set before him? And he from within shall
answer and say, Trouble me not: the door is now shut, and my children are with me in bed; I cannot rise and give thee.
I say unto you, Though he will not rise and give him, because he is his friend, yet because of his
importunity he will rise and give him as many as he needeth. And I say unto you, Ask, and
it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you. For
every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened. If a son shall ask bread of any of you that is a father, will he give him a stone? or if he
ask a fish, will he for a fish give him a serpent? Or if he
shall ask an egg, will he offer him a scorpion? If ye then, being evil, know how to give good
gifts unto your children: how much more shall your heavenly
Father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask him? ; Luke 18:1-14 - And he spake a parable unto
them to this end, that men ought always to pray, and not to faint; Saying, There was in a city a judge, which feared not God, neither regarded man: And there was
a widow in that city; and she came unto him, saying, Avenge me of mine adversary. And he would
not for a while: but afterward he said within himself, Though I fear not God, nor regard man; Yet
because this widow troubleth me, I will avenge her, lest by her continual coming she weary me. And the Lord said, Hear what the unjust judge saith. And shall not God avenge his own elect,
which cry day and night unto him, though he bear long with them? I tell you that he will avenge
them speedily. Nevertheless when the Son of man cometh, shall he find faith on the earth? And he spake this parable
unto certain which trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and despised others: Two men went
up into the temple to pray; the one a Pharisee, and the other a publican. The Pharisee stood
and prayed thus with himself, God, I thank thee, that I am not as other men are, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this publican. I fast twice
in the week, I give tithes of all that I possess. And the publican, standing afar off, would
not lift up so much as his eyes unto heaven, but smote upon
his breast, saying, God be merciful to me a sinner. I tell you, this man went down to his
house justified rather than the other: for every one that
exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted.
2. But in this sermon Jesus sought to stress prayer that is designed...
a. To be seen by God, not man
b. To be heard by God, not man
-- Who knows better what kind of prayer that is, than He who now sits at the right hand of God!
If we believe that God hears prayer (Psalms 65:2 - O thou that hearest prayer, unto thee shall
all flesh come.) and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him (Hebrews 11:6 - But without faith
it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God
must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.),
then let’s be sure we offer the kind of “Prayer That Pleases God”!
Matthew 28:19-20 - Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and
of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.
Mark 16:15-16 - And
he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.
Prayer:
Lord I truly thank You for giving me the opportunity to present these words to my brethrens. I pray that You will
give them Your eternal blessings and accept them into Your heart - this I pray
in the name of Thy Son, Jesus, the Messiah, Your only begotten son which Ye sent to save mankind from themselves. Amen
Ephesians
6:23-24 - Peace be to the brethren, and love with faith, from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. Grace be with all them that love our Lord Jesus Christ in sincerity. Amen.
This sermon is in the Public Domain - Free for all to use with the only requirement: That it never
be used for profit.
