The Lord's Prayer

Thesis: The Lord's Prayer is part of the Sermon on the Mount, which Jesus
presented not as a moral guide, but to correct false teaching and Pharisaic living
and promote his Kingdom.

PRAYER DISPOSITION

• Prayer, like any "religious" activity, is an
  expression of internal spirituality and not
  an outward expression to gain man's favor.

• Prayer is bowing before eternal throne to
  petition, intercede and praise the Only one
  worthy of glory

• Jesus is the only mediator between man and
  God - this is meaning of "in Jesus' name"

• Pray confidently, God knows our needs.

PRAYER PATTERN:

1. HALLOWED BE YOUR NAME
   Put God's glory first

2. YOUR KINGDOM COME
   God's dominion manifested

3. YOUR WILL BE DONE
   eradicate unrighteousness

4. GIVE US OUR DAILY BREAD
   recognize God's provision, our need for it.

5. FORGIVE US AS WE FORGIVE OTHERS
   Remember need of grace, dispense to others

6. KEEP US FROM TEMPTATION
   Remember inner vileness, need of God

7. DELIVER FROM EVIL
   Protection against Satan's attacks

CONCLUSION: Doxology is fitting close to any prayer - that it is all about God -- his work, his provision, his authority, his dominion, his sovereignty over every circumstance.