Message by Dr. David Drake
Series: “Inside / Out”
Living Today The Life Of Jesus
A study through The Sermon On The Mount
Matthew 5-7
The Righteous Act Of Praying
Matthew 6:5-8
Matthew 6:5-8 (NASB)
5 “When you pray, you are not to be like the hypocrites; for they love to stand and pray in the synagogues and on the street corners so that they may be seen by men. Truly I say to you, they have their reward in full.
6 “But you, when you pray, go into your inner room, close your door and pray to your Father who is in secret, and your Father who sees what is done in secret will reward you.
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.
1. The People Of Prayer
5a “When you pray, you are not to be like the hypocrites; for they love to stand and pray in the synagogues and on the street corners so that they may be seen by men.
6a “But you, when you pray, go into your inner room, close your door and pray to your Father who is in secret,
Prayer is the believer’s PREPARATION
Prayer is the believer’s PARTICIPATION
Genesis 24:12-14 (NASB)
12 He said, “O LORD, the God of my master Abraham, please grant me success today, and show lovingkindness to my master Abraham.
13 “Behold, I am standing by the spring, and the daughters of the men of the city are coming out to draw water;
14 now may it be that the girl to whom I say, ‘Please let down your jar so that I may drink,’ and who answers, ‘Drink, and I will water your camels also’””may she be the one whom You have appointed for Your servant Isaac; and by this I will know that You have shown lovingkindness to my master.”
Prayer is the believer’s PRIVILEGE
Matthew 6:9 (NASB)
9 “Pray, then, in this way: ‘Our Father who is in heaven, Hallowed be Your name.
2. A Place For Prayer
The OUTSIDE Place of Prayer (Prideful)
“for they love to stand and pray in the synagogues and on the street corners so that they may be seen by men.”
The INSIDE Place of Prayer (Private, Personal)
“go into your inner room, close your door and pray to your Father who is in secret,”
Prayer is a matter of the heart.
Matthew 15:7-8 (NASB)
7 “You hypocrites, rightly did Isaiah prophesy of you:
8 ‘THIS PEOPLE HONORS ME WITH THEIR LIPS, BUT THEIR HEART IS FAR AWAY FROM ME.
3. A Purpose In Prayer
PRESENCE
HOLINESS
NEED
Matthew 6:8 (NASB)
8 “So do not be like them; for your Father knows what you need before you ask Him.