Best Kept Secret: Prayer Part 1

Matthew 6:5a (NLT)
“When you pray, don’t be like the hypocrites who love to pray publicly on street corners and in the synagogues where everyone can see them…” 

Prayer Motivation
Surrender vs. Spotlight

Matthew 6:5 (NLT)
“When you pray, don’t be like the hypocrites who love to pray publicly on street corners and in the synagogues where everyone can see them. I tell you the truth, that is all the reward they will ever get.” 

Prayer is not about us (myself and others) it is about us (myself and God).

Matthew 6:5-6 (NLT)
“When you pray, don’t be like the hypocrites who love to pray publicly on street corners and in the synagogues where everyone can see them. I tell you the truth, that is all the reward they will ever get.  But when you pray, go away by yourself, shut the door behind you, and pray to your Father in private. Then your Father, who sees everything, will reward you.” 

Approaching Effective Prayer:
Go Away By Yourself
Close Your Door
Pray In Secret

Approaching Effective Prayer:
Go Away By Yourself (where you have the right motivation)
Close Your Door (where you are in the presence of God)
Pray In Secret (where you have the correct focus)

3 Things to do when praying:
asking   seeking   knocking

Matthew 7:7-8 (NLT)
“Keep on asking, and you will receive what you ask for. Keep on seeking, and you will find. Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks, receives. Everyone who seeks, finds. And to everyone who knocks, the door will be opened.” 

Be Bold

Talk Twice

Prohibit Presumption

Matthew 7:9-11 (NLT)
“You parents—if your children ask for a loaf of bread, do you give them a stone instead? Or if they ask for a fish, do you give them a snake? Of course not! So if you sinful people know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give good gifts to those who ask him.” 

Extra Notes:

Help Everyone Find & Follow Jesus