The Weekly Show - Episode 88: Study Ten: Praying the Way Jesus Taught

Join Tim and John as they study how to and pray the way Jesus taught. Theme: https://uppbeat.io/t/northwestern/a-new-beginning and https://uppbeat.io/t/pecan-pie/halloween-time Transition Song: https://uppbeat.io/t/all-good-folks/ Introduction (Matthew 6:9–15) After warning His disciples not to pray like hypocrites who perform for people or like Gentiles who babble to impress their gods, Jesus does something incredibly helpful— He teaches us how to pray. Matthew 6:9–15 contains one of the most famous passages in the entire Bible: the Lord’s Prayer. But it’s not just a prayer to memorize— it’s a pattern, a framework, a guide that shows us what matters most when talking to God. Jesus wants His followers to pray with: sincerity simplicity confidence humility and a heart that trusts the Father The Lord’s Prayer teaches us: who God is what we should desire most what we should ask for and how we should relate to others This prayer is short, simple, and powerful— so simple a child can pray it, yet so deep that believers never outgrow it. In Study 10, we will break down the prayer Jesus gave and see what it teaches us about: God’s character God’s kingdom Our daily needs Our need for forgiveness Our need to forgive others God’s protection from sin and evil Jesus didn’t just command us to pray— He showed us how to pray, and He invites us into the same intimate relationship He enjoys with His Father. 1. Our Father in Heaven (Approaching God as His Children)** Jesus begins the Lord’s Prayer with two simple but life-changing words: “Our Father…” — Matthew 6:9 Before we ask for anything, before we confess anything, before we bring any request to God, Jesus wants us to remember who we’re talking to. God Is Our Father Calling God “Father” is not something people naturally assumed in the Old Testament. But Jesus teaches His followers that through faith in Him, they are adopted into God’s family. This means: prayer is not a speech prayer is not a ceremony prayer is not a performance prayer is a conversation with your Father A Father who loves you, cares for you, knows you, and wants you to come to Him. You don’t have to impress Him. You don’t have to convince Him. You don’t have to fear approaching Him. You are His child. He invites you in. Our Father—not just “My” Father Jesus teaches us to say “our Father,” not “my Father.” This reminds us that: we’re part of God’s family we’re not meant to follow Jesus alone we pray not just for ourselves, but for others too Even in prayer, Jesus pulls us away from selfishness and into community. **Who Is This Father? “The One in Heaven”** God is not just a loving Father— He is a powerful, sovereign Father. “In heaven” reminds us that: He rules over everything He is above every problem He is greater than every fear He is strong enough to answer any prayer He sees what we cannot see His wisdom is perfect So we approach God with confidence and reverence. He is both near and mighty. He is tender and strong. He is Father and King. Prayer Begins with Relationship Jesus wants His followers to pray out of: trust love closeness assurance confidence in God’s care Before we ask for anything, Jesus teaches us to rest in this truth: “God is my Father, and He loves me.” That changes everything about how we pray. 2. Hallowed Be Your Name (Honoring God First)** After teaching us to approach God as our Father, Jesus immediately shows us the first and highest priority in prayer: “Hallowed be Your name.” — Matthew 6:9 “Hallowed” is not a word we use every day, but it simply means “to make holy, to honor, to treat as sacred.” Jesus is teaching us that before we ask God for anything— we worship Him. Prayer Begins with Praise “Hallowed be Your name” means: Let Your name be honored. Let Your character be treasured. Let Your reputation be lifted high. Let people see how great You are. Jesus wants us to start prayer by focusing on who God is, not on what we need. When we begin with God: our worries shrink our faith grows our hearts soften our motives get cleaned up our priorities fall into place That’s why Jesus places worship first. God’s Name Represents His Character In Scripture, a person’s “name” stands for who they are. So when Jesus tells us to pray, “Hallowed be Your name,” He means: “Father, be honored for who You are.” We are praying: May Your love be honored. May Your holiness be honored. May Your mercy be honored. May Your justice be honored. May Your power be honored. May Your faithfulness be honored. We want God's name to be treated as the greatest name in the world. This Prayer Changes Our Hearts When you pray, “Hallowed be Your name,” you are also asking God to help you honor Him: in your thoughts in your words in your actions in your choices in your friendships in your goals This prayer shapes your priorities. It puts God first. It pushes self out of ...