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THE LORD’S PRAYER
TUESDAY, MAY 20
Matthew 6:1-34

Colossians 3:22-24

 

“After this manner

therefore pray ye…”

 

THE LORD’S PRAYER
 
As the perfect and great High Priest (cf. Heb 5:5-10, 6:20-7:28), Jesus taught the people how to worship God. He taught them how to pray. Jesus said, “when ye pray, use not vain repetitions, as the heathen do: for they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking.” It is not verbosity but sincerity that impresses God. Jesus offers a model prayer in what we know today as “The Lord’s Prayer.” It is a short prayer, but if uttered in sincerity and truth, goes a long way.
 
Jesus encouraged His people to pray, for God answers prayers: “Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you: For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened. Or what man is there of you, whom if his son ask bread, will he give him a stone? Or if he ask a fish, will he give him a serpent? If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall your Father which is in heaven give good things to them that ask him?”
 
As High Priest, Jesus taught the people that godliness is not measured by outward religiosity, but inward spirituality. Jesus was against showy giving, praying, and fasting. When we serve in church, let us not do so because we want to please men, or to obtain their praise. Let us serve because we love Jesus, and desire His praise.
 
THOUGHT: “Prayer is nothing else than the opening up of our heart before God.” (Calvin)

PRAYER: Father, teach me to pray.

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