SEMESTER 5
278 – The Proper Spirit and Conduct in Prayer
BIBLE INSTITUTE OF CORRESPONDENCE
COURSE: SOTERIOLOGY V LESSON # 78
SERMON ON THE MOUNT
(THE PROPER SPIRIT AND CONDUCT IN PRAYER)
Read: Mat. 6:5-15
INTRODUCTION:
1. The same positive and negative issues as existed with alms deeds existed with prayer.
2. Be assured that the evil nature of a Jew is the evil nature of a Gentile.
3. Also, remember that the heart disease of 30 A.D. is alive and well in every age.
4. With this in mind, notice some positive and negative instruction for prayer.
5. You may notice that the Lord’s instruction is the very opposite to most of today’s instruction.
III: Time yourself, and get down and pray some more.
I. DO NOT BRING YOUR PRAYER TO THE ATTENTION OF MEN(VERSE 5)
1. The practice of the hypocrites was to talk about their praying and to demonstrate it.
III: The oriental still demonstrate this in many ways.
2. They are gratified by men’s notice, and this is all their reward.
III:By man in Lubbock bringing his Bible to breakfast.
3. All display of religious status symbols should be avoided by Christians.
II. DO NOT DESIGN PRAYER WITH MUCH SPEAKING IN MIND (VERSE 7)
1. Certainly, prayer is a great necessity, and we can never pray too much.
2. But when we focus attention upon our praying, or teach men to do so, we violate this principle.
3. What man in the Bible was praised for his prayers or much praying?
4. Specific prayers credited as being productive were usually quite short.
III:I Ki. 18:26 and 36-37, Acts 4:24-30
5. This is not to preclude much private time of prayer and meditation, but the advertising of it.
III. LET YOUR PRAYERS BE A PRIVATE MATTER (VERSE 6)
1. This does not condemn public or family prayer, but gives preference to the private.
III: The most real and sacred prayers are those even our husbands and wives do not know about.
1. Explain the term closet here, (no sign on the door) no announcing of activity or time.
III: By Larry going by to pick up a preacher and having to wait.
IV. LET YOUR PRAYERS BE COMPARATIVELY BRIEF AND WORSHIPFUL (VERSES 9-13)
1. I say comparatively, because we should feel free to voice all that is on our heart.
2. Yet, I say brief, because God knows our need, and does not need explanation.
III: “I was not talking to you.” Many cannot say that.
3. See the issues our Lord places in the model prayer:
i. The holy treatment of God’s name,
ii. The coming of His Kingdom,
iii. The carrying out of His will,
iv. The provision of our daily needs,
v. The forgiveness of our sins against men,
vi. Deliverance from temptation,
vii. Praise and confession of ownership.
4. Not a prayer to be repeated, “after this manner.”
I. PRAYER TO A GOD OF MERCY COMES FROM A HEART OF MERCY
1. True prayer comes from a heart like that of the publican, who knows he needs mercy and not justice.
2. This sensitivity produces a spirit of forgiveness, not the merit of it.