Matthew 6:1-8; Ephesians 6:18 Sermon Matthew 6:1-8; Ephesians 6:18 Why We Don’t Pray Introduction

“And when you pray, you must not be like the hypocrites “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. Matt 6:1-8

Eph 6:18 ..praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end, keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints,

We don’t pray because we don’t FUNCTIONALLY believe the gospel. PRINCIPLE #1: We pray to the EXTENT that we’re in touch with our humanity and have a realistic view of who we are.

We don’t believe that we’re really FORGIVEN AND ADOPTED BY the King PRINCIPLE #2: Remember that prayer is not overcoming God’s reluctance to love you, it is laying hold of His highest willingness to love you.

You get both intimacy and trust through the cross prayer is experiencing God’s favor and lordship out of a realization of SONSHIP. You get both intimacy and trust through the cross

PRINCIPLE #3 What has glory to you will shape your behavior. We don’t pray because we don’t know how The sign of religious/cultural prayer is that when you go to private prayer, there is nothing to say. PRINCIPLE #3 What has glory to you will shape your behavior.

WE CAN ENRICH OUR PRAYER LIFE BY PRAYING SCRIPTURE BACK TO God.

BECOMING MORE OF A PRAYER WARRIOR --Consider the benefits of God centered, gospel motivated, private prayer- it promotes life of faith and growth in grace. --Order your life so that private prayer is not neglected.

The three components of Deep Practice: Practicing small chunks of the bigger action Repetition, repetition and repetition Being mindful and noticing when it goes well

The Law of Diminishing Intent says, the longer you wait to take action, the less likely you will be to take it. Jim Rohn

Take a L.E.A.P. (adapted from Michael Hyatt) Lean into the change with expectancy Engage IN PRAYER PERSISTENTLY Act and do something—anything Pounce and do it now

The ABC’s of coming to faith – A - Admit that you’re weak and need grace and strength – That means there is GOOD NEWS FOR YOU   B- Believe that Jesus is the only savior who can heal your heart. C- confess to God that you want to trust Jesus as your savior and Lord.  

Communion

Our Father, which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy Name. Thy Kingdom come.  Thy will be done on earth,  As it is in heaven.

Give us this day our daily bread 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,  The power, and the glory,  For ever and ever.  Amen.