The Teachings of Jesus : Lesson 10
Text: Matthew 5:5-15
28 February 2016
THE PRACTICE OF PRAYER
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This practice of seeking God in prayer goes back to the most ancient days
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Prayer and worship interwoven
a) Cain and Abel Genesis 4:1-15
b) Noah Genesis 8:20
c) Abraham Genesis 12:8
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Practice of prayer (Old Testament)
a) Priests
b) Prophets
c) Psalmists
d) Community
e) Individuals
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Practice of prayer (New Testament)
a) Jesus (individual)
b) Jesus (as our great High Priest)
c) Apostles
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The degeneration of the practice of prayer in the days of Jesus
a) Praying publicly to impress people Matthew 6:5
b) They have their reward Matthew 6:5
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The true and correct practice of prayer
a) Pray to your Father Matthew 6:6
b) In secret Matthew 6:6
c) God will reward openly Matthew 6:6
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Wrong practices to be avoided especially
a) Vain repetition Matthew 6:7
b) As “the nations” (“heathen”) Matthew 6:7
c) Many words Matthew 6:7
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Modern day problems