Main Verse: Matthew 6:5-18

Ref: The Disciples’ Prayer by John MacArthur

Good morning

            The disciples asked Jesus to teach them how to pray while this may be an ingenious question, consider that these men were taught from their youth how to pray, proper positioning, and the nation’s songs. Then why did they feel the need to ask? Because Jesus’ prayers had results where the scribes and Pharisees did not and God inhabited Jesus’ unlike the Sanhedrin (Matthew 7:28-29, Luke 6:12-19).  The Jews were taught the Torah, the nation’s prayers, Sabbath requirements, covenant law, and the feasts from their youth to the day they passed away. Unfortunately, knowing all the information and putting the information together requires personal time before the Lord (Matthew 11:28-29).  The reason people stumble over the cornerstone and prayer is, “Fear of the Lord;” How can you fear the Lord when you do not koinonia (intimate relationship) Him (Psalms 46:10)? We can go to the best church, listen to powerful speakers, sing all of the best songs, be active in church, respond to altar calls, and attend Bible studies yet, come away from church as empty as the moment we walked in because we do not fear the Lord (Matthew 23:37-39).

To learn to fear the Lord, we must stay in His words, learn about Him, and walk in obedience to His commands (John 8:31-32, John 14:13-17, Matthew 11:28). The Lord God desires communication with His creation and share the blessings of Heaven and the power of the Holy Spirit with us. Our choices tell the Lord the pathway we chose to follow (Joshua 24:15). My encouragement for you today is, learn about the Lord Jesus, consider all that he has done in your life, the lives of those who have gone before us, and the Biblical examples and then go to your prayer closet and seek His face while He may yet be found (Isaiah 55:6-7).

I.H.S.

MK

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