Our Resurrection Weekend services begin with our Good Friday Evening Gathering, March 29 at 7:00 pm, and conclude with our regular Sunday activities on Resurrection Sunday Morning, March 31!

Carefully Think

  • Read Matthew 6:9-15.
  • Think back on the points from last week's sermon on what should not mark righteous praying. How does this prayer in 6:9-15 counter what Jesus warned against in 6:5-8?
  • List each request you see in 6:9-15.
  • Look carefully at vv9-10 and vv 11-13 - what are the differences between these two portions of the prayer?
  • What do the plural pronouns "our," "us," and "we," suggest about this prayer?
  • Why are we to pray to the Father? What does this indicate about the nature of our praying to God?
  • What does it mean to "hallow" God's name? Who is being asked to "hallow" God's name?
  • What is God's kingdom and when is it "coming?"
  • How is God's will done in heaven? What are we praying when we ask for it to be done on earth?
  • Why is the focus on "daily" bread?
  • What does Jesus suggest motivates us praying for forgiveness (v 12).
  • If God does not tempt us (James 1:13ff), why would we pray for God not to lead us into temptation?
  • How are 6:14-15 consistent with the concept of grace? Is our being forgiven contingent upon us first forging other people?

Prayerfully Meditate

  • How could this prayer assist you when you pray privately?
  • How could this prayer assist us when we pray together as a church?
  • Why or why not is Jesus asking His disciples to repeat this prayer verbatim? What are the dangers of doing this? What is the value?
  • Which phrase within this prayer needs more focused attention in your own prayer time?

Intentionally Act

  • While we are called to pray without ceasing, this prayer suggests that we would have specific times of prayer set aside. When do you set aside time for conentrated prayer? If not, why not? How could you set aside some time for dedicated prayer?
  • On at least three occasions this week, open your Bible to this passage and use it as a guide for your time of prayer. How does it help? What is most challenging in doing it?
  • How is unforgiveness hindering the effectiveness of your prayer life? Think about how to specifically apply 6:14-15.
  • Use this model prayer in 6:9-13 in praying for our worship service this Sunday.
  • We will take the Lord's Table together this Sunday. Prepare your heart now to consider the unity of our church family. Prepare your mind and heart to engage in taking of the elements, remembering Christ, and considering how He has made us all one.
  • Pray for those who do not know Christ and will be present in our service - that their hearts will be opened to God's greateness, their needs, and the work of Christ to save them.
  • Pray for those who will be leading the service this Sunday: Dawson Bryant, music; Mark Krystyniak, Elders' prayer and Scripture reading; Bret Capranica, teaching. Pray that they will edify the church body.
  • Meditate on the lyrics of the songs we will sing, and listen to them through the weekend to prepare yourself to sing with the church.

Songs for Sunday

Morning
Evening

Lyrics

Morning and Evening Gathering - November 25, 2012