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Jesus teaches about false righteousness…     (Pg.1)

Matthew 6:1-14 (ESV used)  “Beware of practicing your righteousness before other people in order to be seen by them, for then you will have no reward from your Father who is in heaven.
(2) “Thus, when you give to the needy, sound no trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may be praised by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. (3) But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, (4) so that your giving may be in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.

Q1. What type of reward is gained by, “Practicing your righteousness before other people in order to be seen by them”?               ☐ Rewards of the flesh…     ☐ God’s blessings and rewards…
Comments:____________________________________________________________________

Q2. Why the secrecy in giving to the needy – Vs.3-4? – What problems might this eliminate? _____________________________________________________________________________

(Vs.5-6) “And when you pray, you must not be like the hypocrites. For they love to stand and
pray in the synagogues and at the street corners, that they may be seen by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. (6) But when you pray, go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.

Q3. What reward is received by the “hypocrites” mentioned here?
☐ The approval or envy of others.     ☐ God’s approval and blessings.

Jesus even asks us to pray in secret, Matthew 6:6… But when you pray, go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.

— We hear about “prayer closets”, which really means a private place to pray…

Q4. Which of these is found in praying to our Lord in private? (Check all that apply.)

☐ intimacy;     ☐ humility;     ☐ display;     ☐ ego;     ☐ love;     ☐ boasting;     ☐ pomposity.

(Vs.7-8) “And when you pray, do not heap up empty phrases as the Gentiles do, for they think that they will be heard for their many words. (8) Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him.

Q5. Which of the following do you think might not be appreciated by God in such prayers?

        ☐ Trying to impress God…     ☐ Insincere statements…     ☐ Trying to impress others…

Q6. When we pray how does it help to understand that God is aware of our needs? (Vs.8)

Comments: ___________________________________________________________________

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Jesus teaches about false righteousness…     (Pg.2)

Jesus tells us how we should form our prayer-times…

(Vs.9-14) Pray then like this: “Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name. (10) Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. (11) Give us this day our daily bread, (12) and forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. (13) And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. (14) For if you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you…

Q7. How does Jesus suggest we should pray? (Check all that apply.)

☐ Give God praise.     ☐ List needs in order of priority.     ☐ Ask for His soon return.
☐ Acknowledge that God knows best.    ☐ Insist our needs be met.     ☐ List our good deeds.
☐ Acknowledge that God is our Provider.     ☐ Bargain with God.     ☐ Ask God’s protection.

Other observations? ____________________________________________________________

Topics for further discussion found in Our Lord’s Prayer:

1/ It is appropriate to open by giving God praise… (Why?)
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2/ We’re told to desire Jesus to return and set up His Kingdom… (Why?)

      — Why are we sometimes reluctant to make this part of our prayers?
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3/ Asking God to provide our “daily bread”… (What does Vs.11 reveal?)
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4/ Making note of the requirements of forgiveness… (Vs.12 & 14)
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5/ Asking god to deliver us from evil… (But why the request to NOT lead us into temptation?)

*See also, James 1:12-15 ESV  Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him. (13) Let no one say when he is tempted, “I am being tempted by God,” for God cannot be tempted with evil, and he himself tempts no one. (14) But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire. (15) Then desire when it has conceived gives birth to sin, and sin when it is fully grown brings forth death.

Comments?_____________________________________________________

— This pattern for prayer is a good one to follow whenever we pray, for Jesus tells us to praise God and seek His will first, as we ask for needs, for forgiveness, and for deliverance from evil… We then should try to release all control and anxiety into God’s loving hands.

So, let us remember to trust Him (fully) when we pray… (KRK)