Lord, teach us to pray – Mt. 6: Relating to a personal God –v.9 2 ways of looking at prayer:- 2 ways of looking at prayer:- a. Getting things from God a. Getting things from God b. Getting to know God better b. Getting to know God better
Our father in heaven a. The wonder of an intimate relationship with God – Abba - God as father of Israel – Ex.4:22; Dt.32:6; Jer.31:9 - Jesus addresses God as father – John17:1,5,11,21 - Jesus makes it possible for us to know God as father – John1:12,13; 3:5-7; Eph.1:5 - The Spirits work – Rom.8:15,16
b. The awe-inspiring vision of God – Our father in heaven He is the Creator & Sovereign Lord The impact of seeing a little bit of his splendour – Ez.1:28;Dan.1:8;Rev.1:17 Hallowed be your name – The Church & world would see & respond to God as:-Hallowed be your name – The Church & world would see & respond to God as:- 1. The loving gracious Saviour & father 2. The almighty, holy & Sovereign Creator & Ruler.
2. Embracing Gods plans –v.10 a. The disciple/Church would:- - Display the love of God – be a foretaste of heaven - Display the love of God – be a foretaste of heaven - Obey Gods laws - Obey Gods laws - Spread the Good News of Jesus - Spread the Good News of Jesus b. People would be saved c. Jesus return would be soon – Rev.22:20
3. Trusting God for our needs –v a. Our daily needs – Mt.6:34 b. Our sin – The Cross – Gods answer c. The spiritual battle - First Adam failed – Gen3 - First Adam failed – Gen3 - Israel (son of God) failed – exiled - Israel (son of God) failed – exiled - Jesus (Son of God) triumphed – Mt.4:1-11 cf. Mt.26:41 - Jesus (Son of God) triumphed – Mt.4:1-11 cf. Mt.26:41
4. Lord, teach us to pray – Practical helps a. Prayer is responding to God – Rev.3:20 b. Think about God & your relationship to him – quiet space & time c. Think about Gods plans – guided by the Bible d. Come as you are – with your needs, sin & weakness