Jesus continues his teaching of spiritual deeds that His followers should do by talking about prayer. As followers of Jesus, we need to be aware of our motives as we participate in public prayer. May we not pray to be seen by others and recognized as "spiritual giants," for that will be the only reward we get.
Jesus also pauses here to teach his followers a structure for prayer. There is power in praying the exact words of the Lord's Prayer, but we may also use it as an outline. Are we becoming the kind of people who pray regularly to the Lord and have pure motives? Is prayer your steering wheel (guiding you), or your spare tire (only used in emergencies)? Are we becoming the kind of person who actively communicates with God throughout the day?
Scriptures referenced: Matthew 6:1-15, Proverbs 21:2, Proverbs 16:2, Matthew 6:19-21, 1 Kings 18, Matthew 7:7-11, Matthew 26:39, 42, John 6:27, 35, Hebrews 4:14-16.
