Prayer

TIME in the Word - Daily Devotional
Introduction for the Week

Giving, Praying, Fasting
When Pleasing God is Our Priority
Matthew 6:1-21

Part Two - Prayer
Matthew 6:7-11

This week we are going to take a brief look at the first few verses of the model prayer. Interestingly, Jesus did not tell the disciples that they had to pray this exact prayer, but instead, He gave it as a model for all prayer. We do have to remember that prayer is communication – a conversation with God. We talk. We listen! He listens and answers. He guides us through the Word, preaching and teaching, godly counsel, all empowered by the Holy Spirit who lives in us and has sealed us for the Day of Redemption. As we learn to pray effectively, let us remember that we are to pray without ceasing, to have uninterrupted fellowship and communion with our Lord.

Prayer is a privilege. We have access by the blood of Jesus to the very throne of God. We cannot take that lightly. We must be bold in our praying, but at the same time reverent. We are spending time with God. Don’t ever think that is a small thing. Having an audience with the Creator should remind us that in His sight we are like grasshoppers, small and insignificant (Isaiah 40:22). However, He humbles Himself to fellowship with us. Indeed that is why He sent His Son in the first place. To renew the fellowship that was lost because of our sin.

When you pray, following Jesus’ example and model given in this text, remember the price paid for you even to be able to approach the Father!

As we learn several facets of worship this week, I am including a devotional written from Matthew 6:7-11 that deals with our model for praying as a means of fellowship and communion with God. I have given a format for family worship which includes a verse for the day, study of the Puritan Catechism, time in the Word, devotional thoughts, a brief article by Thomas Boston titled “Praying in the Name of Christ”, and a sermon by Stephen Charnock titled “A Discourse of Delight in Prayer”, recommended Scriptures for further study and meditation, and recommended songs to sing to God’s glory.

(The hymns are taken from our church hymnal, "The Hymnal for Worship and Celebration". Note for Church Members: If you do not have this hymnal at home, you are encouraged to take one home from church for use during the week. These hymns appear in most hymnals available today and the words are also listed in the links provided for musical accompaniment at the Cyber Hymnal.)