Sermon On The Mount 9: Praying Like Jesus (Jim Waddell)

Matthew 6:5-15

NOTES (This structure is borrowed from Revd Nicky Gumbel)

'Prayer is simply talking to God. He speaks to us; we listen. We speak to Him; He listens. A two-way process: speaking and listening.' Mother Teresa

'...prayer is nothing else, in my opinion, than being on terms of friendship with God.' St Teresa of Avila (1515-1582)

1. Examine our priorities 

  • When you pray (vs 5-7)

'It's a good thing to let prayer be the first business of the morning... Guard yourself carefully agsinst those false, deluding ideas which tell you, 'Wait a little while. I'll pray in an hour. First I must attend to this or that.' Such thoughts get you away from prayer into other affairs, which so hold your attention and invoke you that nothing comes of prayer for that day.' Martin Luther (1483-1546)

2. Enjoy the privilege

  • Father will reward you (vs 18)
  • Experience joy of God's presence (Psalm 16:11)
  • Receive God's grace (Phil 4:6-7)

2. Enjoy the privilege (3 Guidelines)

  • Keep It real (vs 5)
  • Keep it quiet (vs 6)
  • Keep it simple (vs 7-8)

3. Establish a pattern

  • Begin with thanksgiving, praise and worship (vs 9)
  • Focus on God's honour (vs 9)
  • Pray for God's rule and reign (vs 10)
  • Commit your decisions (vs 10)
  • Ask his help with daily needs (vs 11)
  • Make a clean start each day (vs 12)
  • Forgive anyone you need to forgive (vs 12)
  • Ask for his protection and power (vs 13)

Summary

1. Examine your priorities

2. Enjoy the privilege

3. Establish a pattern