Prayer



          God tells us in Matthew 6 how he wants us to pray. There are some do' and don't's about praying.

God does not want us to do it in public.

He does not want us to be repetitive in our words.

He further does not want us to fast so that other people will know we are fasting
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          All these things God does not want us to do because we are seeking favor with man. We are trying to impress others with our outward appearance instead of looking toward God for approval.

          In Matthew 6:9-13 God even gives us a sample of how we should pray. At the end of the verses I put in parenthesis what God is showing us to do when we pray.

9 After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. (Praise)

10 Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. (Asking)

11 Give us this day our daily bread. (Asking)

12 And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. (Asking)

13 And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: (Asking)

     For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen. (Praising)

          I see that God wants us to ask Him for things. He knows we need Him. He wants us to realize we need Him. God knows who we are:

          Psalms 103:14 We are dust.

          Jeremiah 17:9 Our hearts are wicked and we have no idea how bad it is.