Prayer Secrets - Lesson 1: Hypocrites and Prayer

“And when you pray, you shall not be like the hypocrites. For they love to pray… Matthew 6:5 5 “And when you pray, you shall not be like the hypocrites. For they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the corners of the streets, that they may be seen by men. Assuredly, I say to you, they have their reward. Matthew 6:5 Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I have become sounding brass or a clanging cymbal. 2 And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. 3 And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, but have not love, it profits me nothing. 1 Corinthians 13:1-3 #1. To Pray Effectively, Get Your Own Heart Right With God, and Your Prayers Motivated By Love. Search me, O God, and know my heart; Try me, and know my thoughts; 24 And see if there is any wicked way in me, And lead me in the way everlasting. Psalms 139:23-24 #2. To Pray Effectively, Make Sure You Are Praying In Light Of The Finished Work Of Christ On-The-Cross. 30 …“Sirs, what must I do to be saved?”31 So they said, “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved, you and your household.” Acts 16:30-31 9 that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. Romans 10:9 13 For “whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved.” Romans 10:13 16 The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, 17 and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ, Romans 8:16-17 #3. Prayer Isn’t Trying To Twist God’s Arm, To Make Him Do Something, He Doesn’t Want To Do. Prayer Is Communion (Fellowship) With God. Prayer is Receiving By Faith What God Has Already Done For Us In Christ! 6 But you, when you pray, go into your room, and when you have shut your door, pray to your Father who is in the secret place; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly. Matthew 6:6 7 And when you pray, do not use vain repetitions as the heathen do. For they think that they will be heard for their many words. 8 “Therefore do not be like them. For your Father knows the things you have need of before you ask Him. Matthew 6:7