Pray This Way: The Divine Pattern of Righteous Prayer

Part 4

Text: Matthew 6:5-15

Introduction:

I.   Jesus Condemns Unrighteous Prayer. 6:5-8

II.  Jesus Commends Righteous Prayer. 6:9-13

     A.  Righteous prayer focuses on the adoption of the Father. v. 9b

     B.  Righteous prayer focuses on the honor of the Father. v. 9c

          1.  Let your Name be honored in our theology.

“What is the first petition?” “‘Hallowed be Thy name.’ That is, enable us rightly to know You, and to hallow, magnify and praise You in all Your works, in which shine forth Your power, wisdom, goodness, justice, mercy and truth. . .”

              a.  To honor the Father’s Name we should never think of Him as exceedingly harsh.

Lesson:

              b.  To honor the Father’s Name we should never think of Him without the highest reverence.

         2.  Let Your Name be honored in our practice.

“What is the first petition?” “and likewise so to order our whole life, in thought, word and deed, that Your name may not be blasphemed, but honored and praised on our account.” Heidelberg Catechism

         3.  Let Your Name be honored in Your world.

Reflection:

© John Fonville

Permissions: Permission is happily granted to reproduce and distribute this material in any format provided that you do not revise the wording in any way and do not charge a fee beyond the cost of reproduction. For web posting, a link to this document on Paramount’s website is preferred. Any exceptions to the above must be approved by John Fonville.

Please include the following statement on any distributed copy: By John Fonville