Day 12: February 8

Matthew 6:7-15

SCRIPTURE HIGHLIGHT
Matthew 6:9-13 “Pray then like this: Our Father in heaven hallowed be your name. Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven, give us this day, our daily bread, and forgive our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.”

OBSERVATION
The disciples asked Jesus how to pray.  Jesus didn’t rebuke the disciples for asking how to pray. Scriptures teaches us that Jesus knows what we desire even before we ask. (Matt 6:8) By Jesus’ answer, it seems as if He knew the disciples weren’t asking for a technical definition of prayer, but the disciples were asking for more sincere, effective, intimate and practical way to approach God in prayer.
 
APPLICATION
Jesus answered the disciples by first telling the them four ways NOT to pray:
Jesus said….

• Don’t pray like hypocrites – living a pretentious lifestyle is detrimental to your closeness with God
• Don’t pray to be seen – Go in private and God will reward you. If you pray to be seen you already have your reward.
• Don’t pray using many words – many people falsely believe that the longer you keep. repeating your prayer (vain repetition) it is a better chance of God granting your request.
• Don’t pray thinking you're informing God on your situation – God knows what you need before you ask.

God knows what we desire even before we come to Him. He desires honesty, sincerity, and open communication with all of His disciples as He does with us His children.  Jesus answered the intentions of their hearts not their actual words.  He knows what we need even before we ask. He just wants us to get close as we bring our request to Him.

PRAYER
Father, please teach us pray sincerely, humbly, boldly and from the heart knowing its intimacy we are seeking, a way to get closer to your heart. We desire a closer, stronger walk with you Lord. Guide us and lead us in lifestyle of heartfelt prayers. We pray this in Jesus’ name Amen!