Paragon of Prayer Lk.11:1-4. Pray. We have recently studied several examples of Christ and His praying. We want to continue with some more study of His teachings on Prayer. A paragon is a perfect model of excellence and Christ’s paragon of prayer is in our text and in the Sermon on the Mount, Matt.6:9-13. Looking at these two passages of scripture, we notice three things. THE ENTREATY FOR PRAYING. 4 things in the request. 1. The Stimulation for request. Lk.11:1 We should inspire others to pray. 2. The Superiority of the request. It is important to know how to pray. 3. The Specifics of the request. Teach us the attitude & ability to pray. 4. The Support for the request. As John also taught… THE EXHORTATION FOR PRAYING. 3 things for us to learn. 1. The Illustration in the training. Matt.6:9 After this manner. 2. The Improvement in the training. Therefore.. He had been denouncing bad praying. He condemned bad praying and instructed on good praying. 3. The Imperative in the training. Pray ye.. This is in the imperative tense. It is a strong exhortation and in fact, a command. It is a thing that MUST be done. THE EXAMPLE FOR PRAYING. 7 things about God in the model prayer. 1. The Relationship to God. Our Father which art in heaven. Matt.6:9. 2. The Reverence for God. Hallowed be thy name. God is Holy. 3. The Rule of God. Thy Kingdom come. Matt.6:10. Thy will be done in earth as it is in heaven. It is best for the individual if God would reign in his heart. It is also true that the day is coming when God will indeed reign in earth as in heaven at the return of Christ for the Millennium. For now, we continue in degradation. 4. The Resources of God. Matt.6:11. Give us this day our daily bread. 5. The Repentance to God. Matt.6:12. Forgive us our debts as we forgive our debtors. Lk.11:4 uses sins. Ps.66:18. He will not hear us if we have not repented of our sins. Our life will tell on us. Forgive us as we forgive. 6. The Righteousness from God. Matt.6:13. Lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil. This does not teach that God can lead to sin. He cannot & will not. This is a negative way of saying we want His leading to do right. We do not ask for exemption from trials but for deliverance from sin in all areas of our life. 7. The Recognition for God. Matt.6:13. For Thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever. Amen. The main object of our lives is to give glory to God. 1Cor.10:31. CONCLUSION: The Paragon of Prayer gives glory to God in the beginning and in the end. Prayer is a give and take thing with believers and God. We take of His blessings that He freely gives by His grace but we also give back to Him the glory and praise that He deserves. The glory of God should be a dominant part of our prayers. If you must cut out something, cut out the “gimme” part and offer up more praise. AMEN.

05-19-13
Speaker: Larry Killion
Series: Christ & Prayer
Scripture: Luke 11:1