Matthew 6:5-8
1. Resist Publicity and Verbosity in Praying – (Vs. 5, 7)
. The assumption is believers pray – Ephesians 6:18, Philippians 4:6, Colossians 4:2, 1 Thessalonians 5:17
. Why pray?
. . – Communion with God
. . – Conforms us to the will and character of God
. . – It’s how the Lord accomplishes His purposes
. Do Not Use Meaningless Words and Phrases
. . 1 Kings 18:9-14, Mark 12:40
. There is nothing wrong with long prayers
. Jesus prayed all night -Luke 6:12
. There is nothing wrong with persistence in prayer
. The unrighteous judge -Luke 18:1-5
. The Garden of Gethsemane – Matthew 26:39-44
. Paul’s Thorn in the Flesh – 2 Corinthians 12:8
2. Practice Privacy and Simplicity in Praying – (Vs. 6, 8)