Matthew 6:5-15
Pastor John Wertz, Jr.
St. Michael Lutheran Church
September 21, 2014
Whenever we take youth on a trip,
- whether it is to Confirmation Camp -
- or to the Junior High Servant Event -
- or to a Virginia Synod Youth Event,
- I always try and send out a note -
- that provides some basic information -
- that I think the group needs to know -
- before they set out on the journey. -
- The note typically includes things like -
- estimated departure and arrival times,
- a little information on where we are going -
- and a few suggestions of what you should -
- and should not pack -
- and while everything on the list is helpful to know,
- there are always a few things I try to highlight
- so when we go to camp -
- I always encourage kids to remember to bring,
- an extra pair of shoes
- that you don’t mind getting wet
- and on the mission trip -
- the note stresses the importance of sunscreen and a water bottle -
- To make sure the point gets across,
- I try my best to keep the note to one page -
- try to keep it simple and direct -
- try to provide the practical, useful information they need -
- to help them be properly prepared -
- for the journey that is ahead of them.
- Now in our readings today -
- from the Gospel of Matthew,
- we get a small sample of the basic information -
- that Jesus is providing to the disciples. -
- as they begin to follow him.
- Throughout these three chapters in Matthew -
- from Chapter 5 through the end of Chapter 7 -
- you find practical and -
- useful teachings
- that will help the followers of Jesus -
- to be properly prepared -
- for their journey of faith
- in the world - -
- The Sermon on the Mount -
- as this whole section is called, -
- addresses a wide range of topics -
- including the blessings we heard last Sunday -
- guidance about our role as witnesses to God’s love
- and advice about personal relationships -
- there’s a word about loving your neighbor -
- and a few thoughts on charity, fasting, and judging others
- but if I could only highlight one section in particular -
- amongst all these important teachings that Jesus shares, -
- I think it would probably be this prayer - -
- this model of prayer that Jesus provides his disciples -
- a prayer and an example -
- which has become core to the faith and life -
- of so many people - -
- For as we gear up for our life of faith, -
- as we look for ways to grow our life of faith this week,
- I think it is helpful for us to highlight the Lord’s Prayer -
- as both a prayer that we can pray -
- and as a model to help us strengthen our life of prayer.
- "Pray then in this way:”
- Jesus says,
”Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name.
- Your kingdom come.
- Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.
- Give us this day our daily bread.
- And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors.
- And do not bring us to the time of trial,
but rescue us from the evil one." (Matt 6:9-13)
- It’s not a long prayer.
- It’s not a complicated prayer.
- but by listening to what Jesus says
- and by looking at how Jesus says it,
- I think you and I can gather some wonderful insights
- into how to pray.
- Let’s start with the prayer itself - -
- it is a simple, direct conversation with God.
- It begins by addressing God with the word,
- “Father”
- Jesus doesn’t use long complicated titles
- just - “Father”
- and then he starts talking, - -
- offering praise to God
- and then asking for God’s help and guidance.
- It’s more like a conversation than a speech
- and it reminds us
- that you don’t need a seminary education
- or a formal structure to pray to God
- just turn to God and start talking. - - -
- first offering praise and thanksgiving for God’s love and care
- and then sharing your need, concern or joy
- It’s a simple model that anyone can follow
- Address
- Praise
- Share
- If you are having trouble figuring out how to pray
- try those three steps as a starting point
- You could be driving in your car
- you could be sitting at your desk
- you could be laying in your bed
- wherever you are
- whatever you have to say
- you can share that with God
- in prayer.
- Simply address, - -
- praise, - - - and share, - - -
- and you are praying.
- Now some people are skilled at praying long, complicated prayers, and that’s great,
- intricately structured, beautifully worded, lengthy prayers -
- can be inspiring, uplifting and helpful,
- but looking this model Jesus offers
- reminds us that prayers can take a variety of forms.
- In fact, a prayer could be as simple as
“Lord - Thank You!”
- Prayers can be lifted up in songs -
- or shared in the silence of our thoughts - -
- Remember, your prayer only needs include
- whatever it takes to communicate your
- praise, need, concern or joy to God.
- And not only do does the Lord’s prayer provide a simple, direct model of prayer
- we also see a basic assumption that prayer -
- will be a part of our lives -
- Jesus doesn’t say -
- “if you pray . . .” -
- or “you might consider praying” - - -
- He simply says
“Pray then in this way” -
- just do it
- For it is the praying, you see, that is the important part, - -
- pick a form that works for you -
- and trust that like most skills -
- the more you practice -
- the more you work to develop that skill -
- the better you will get,
- and the more natural the activity
- will become
- So follow Jesus’ guidance for the disciples -
- pick a time -
- pick a place -
- and start talking to God directly
- offer praise and thanksgiving for God’s love and care
- and share your need, concern or joy - -
- open the dialogue -
- open the conversation -
- and see where it goes -
- see what it can mean
- in your life - -
- In fact, why don’t we take moment
- and offer a prayer right now
- it doesn’t have to be complicated,
- you don’t need to speak it aloud
- in the silence of your hearts -
- just address God,
- give thanks to God
- and share something with God
- Go ahead -
- closer your eyes
- give it a try -
- and after a moment,
- I’ll gather us back with an Amen -
. . . Amen
- It really is that simple -
- address,
- praise -
- share
- and trust in the good news that when you pray,
- God, who loved us and cared for us
- enough to send Jesus to save us,
- will hear and respond
- to this prayer
- and to every prayer we offer.
1