Prayer is one of the most powerful and intimate acts we as disciples of Christ do. Jesus practiced and demonstrated prayer throughout His ministry--in front of large crowds, with His closest disciples, and even alone. In today's passage, Jesus took time to teach His disciples the appropriate approach to prayer, from the heart set to the words. He also taught that as we are seeking forgiveness for wrong things we do, we need to forgive the wrongs others do to us. Let the word of God encourage you to spend intimate time in prayer with your Creator who loves you and listens to you, and to demonstrate love to others through forgiveness.
Matthew 6:5-15
5 “And when you pray, you must not be like the hypocrites. For they love to stand and pray in the synagogues and at the street corners, that they may be seen by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. 6 But when you pray, go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you. 7 “And when you pray, do not heap up empty phrases as the Gentiles do, for they think that they will be heard for their many words. 8 Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him. 9 "Pray then like this: 'Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name. 10 Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. 11 Give us this day our daily bread, 12 and forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. 13 And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.' 14 "For if you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you, 15 but if you do not forgive others their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.
[ WHAT ] is this passage saying and what is a key truth or thought that we learn?
+ How were the hypocrites praying? How was this hypocritical? [v5]
+ What is the reward for the hypocrites? [v5]
+ Based on v6, can God hear your prayer even when you're hidden away, praying silently or in hushed tone?
+ Why did Gentiles think their practice of chanting or wordy prayer would work? [v7]
+ If Christians are not to think that prayer is answered through their own significant efforts and work, who are they to rely on? [v8]
+ What does v8 tell us about God the Father's knowledge of and love for us?
+ What do you think Jesus meant when He said "Pray like this"? [v9]
+ How does Jesus start His example prayer? [v9-10]
+ What does Jesus teach us to pray for in v11?
+ What does v12 teach about forgiveness?
+ What type of help does Jesus teach us to ask for in v13?
+ Is there any question as to whether we have trespassed against (or sinned against or wronged) God the Father? Likewise, is there any question of whether others would trespass against us? [v14-15]
+ Based on v14-15, how important is it for us to forgive others?
[ HOW ] is the Lord calling me to action/obedience?
+ Is there a sin to confess or a next step to take? How has it gone since last time?
+ Have you done good things with the intent of being seen by people? How does your heart need to change to honor God instead of honoring yourself?
+ After giving us an exemplar prayer, Jesus points out that while we have the precious gift of forgiveness from God the Father, we are also responsible to follow His lead and forgive others. Is there anyone in your life you need to forgive? What concrete step can you take to make that happen?
[ WHO ] am I walking with and praying for to discover Jesus?
+ What is my next step?
+ Whom can you teach to pray or teach why it is important to forgive?