“This Day” – Matthew 6:9-13
Prayer is a matter of the heart because it involves communion and communication.
Jesus placed such a value on prayer that he intentionally set time aside in his life for it.
Hebrews 4:12 For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.
Matthew 4:24a And his fame went throughout all Syria.
Matthew 4:25 And there followed him great multitudes of people from Galilee, and from Decapolis, and from Jerusalem, and from Judaea, and from beyond Jordan.
Matthew 6:7a But when ye pray, use not vain repetitions.
Matthew 6:11 Give us this day our daily bread.
I. Prayer Is to Be a Part of Our Lives.
The “bread” mentioned by Jesus would include our physical nourishment, but it extends beyond the various needs that we all have in the course of a day to come to Him in prayer.
God loves it when we come to Him as His children expressing our need for Him in our lives.
Ephesians 6:18a Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit.
1 Thessalonians 5:17 Pray without ceasing.
Colossians 4:2 Continue in prayer, and watch in the same with thanksgiving.
Luke 18:1b Men ought always to pray, and not to faint.
The idea is that we live with an awareness of His presence and we go through each day in contact, communication, and communion with God in prayer – “This day,” and every day.
II. Prayer Is to Be a Part of Our Lives.
Matthew 6:9 After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.
Hebrews 4:16 Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.
III. Prayer Is to Be a Part of Our Lives.
Prayer is the means of obtaining from God what you will need to live a life that honors Him.
James 4:2b Ye have not, because ye ask not.
Luke 22:42b Nevertheless not my will, but thine, be done.
When you have no idea what to ask for in the midst of a crisis moment, stepping into the presence of God in a time of quiet prayer will do more for you than stress and worry ever could.
Romans 8:26 Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.
Matthew 6:33 But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.
IV. Prayer Is to Be a Part of Our Lives.
As we pray, we are to move on to the work that God has for us.
2 Timothy 4:17 Notwithstanding the Lord stood with me, and strengthened me; that by me the preaching might be fully known, and that all the Gentiles might hear: and I was delivered out of the mouth of the lion.
Matthew 6:11-12 And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.