Sharon Reformed Presbyterian Church · Sermon study sheet

Elevating our Prayers - Matthew 6:9-10

Bryan Schneider · August 10, 2019

Matthew 6:9-10

sharonrpc.org/sermons/elevating-our-prayers

Summary

The first three petitions of the Lord's Prayer turn attention from ‘me’ to God, teaching disciples to elevate prayer toward his name, kingdom, and will.
To hallow God's name is to treat every way he reveals himself as holy and weighty rather than use his name vainly or casually.
Knowing and revering God's names requires reading Scripture to learn who God is, not merely searching the Bible for immediate personal benefit.
Praying for God's kingdom asks that Satan's darkness be displaced by Christ's righteous reign, beginning in our own hearts and extending through the worldwide gospel.
The kingdom petition exposes self-centered ambitions and calls believers to orient desires, finances, energy, evangelism, and missions toward God's rule.
Praying for God's will asks for obedient hearts on earth like the angels in heaven, even when obedience is costly, uncomfortable, and contrary to cherished desires.
The sermon directs hearers to use the Lord's Prayer as a daily Scripture-shaped pattern through which God turns them from self-focus to his glory.

Why do the Lord's Prayer's first three petitions focus on God before personal needs?
What does it mean in thought, speech, worship, and conduct to hallow God's name?
How does reading Scripture to know God differ from reading only to find something for yourself?
What rival personal kingdom competes with a sincere prayer for God's kingdom to come?
How does the advance of the gospel participate in the coming of God's kingdom?
Why must prayer for God's kingdom begin with submission in the pray-er's own heart?
Which revealed command of God presently feels costly or uncomfortable to obey?
How can daily use of the Lord's Prayer reshape desires, resources, and priorities?

Hallowed: Treated as holy, set apart, and worthy of reverence rather than common or profane use.
Name of God: God's names, titles, and revealed attributes by which he makes his identity and character known.
Kingdom of God: God's righteous reign that subdues darkness, transforms hearts, and advances through Christ's gospel.
Will of God: God's revealed commands and holy purposes, which disciples ask to know, desire, and obey.
Third Commandment: God's command not to take his name in vain but to use everything by which he is known reverently.
God-centered prayer: Prayer whose first concern is God's holiness, reign, and will rather than the worshiper's own agenda.