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AFTER THIS MANNER YE PRAY (I)
MONDAY, JULY 24
Matthew 6:1-15

Matthew 6:9

 

“After this manner

therefore pray ye.”

 

AFTER THIS MANNER YE PRAY (I)
 
Normally, the unbelievers do not have any idea of prayer to God until they face great dangers, fatal illnesses, or sudden disasters in their lives. After being disappointed at themselves and at their last resort, they cry to any “god” who is able to help them. Sadly, they are rarely concerned for the salvation of their souls. The Bible confirms that there is no salvation outside Jesus (Acts 4:12).
 
In Jesus’ days, our Lord rebuked the hypocrites who loved doing religious duties including praying before men to obtain the praise from men (Matt 6:5; 23:14). Our Lord taught His disciples how to pray properly (Matt 6; Luke 11). Then what proper attitudes should we have in prayers?
 
(a) Pray with an Obedient and Needy Heart: Some believers who are weak or lazy in praying think that God is all-knowing and He knows all their needs, so it is fine if they trust in the Lord and just sometimes come to the Lord in prayer when they have big problems or difficulties. Are they correct? Only God is correct, they are wrong. Prayer is not just to come to the Lord for our need but it is a means to keep us in touch with God, who is our life and strength. Prayer is our spiritual breath. No one can survive without breathing. Besides our action of prayer in the morning, before meals or bedtime, we are commanded to have a constant attitude of prayer in our hearts wherever we are (1 Thess 5:17). Praying is communicating with God. We are to listen to what God is saying to us through His Word. How about those who question or criticise God’s Word? Do you think that God will listen to their prayers? Absolutely not! For those who refuse His Word, God will not answer their prayers (Prov 1:24-31, Prov 28:9).
 
THOUGHT: We cannot live without breathing and without praying.

PRAYER: Father, help me to learn to pray according to Thy will.

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