As we continue to learn from the greatest sermon Jesus preached, He teaches us how hypocritical devotion to God is dishonoring to Him and ultimately rendering ineffective service to God and the people around. In this passage, the discourse on prayer especially emphasizes and reflects on God’s Fatherly love for His people as a motivation to pray.
The entire world is obsessed with making money. People are obsessed with money primarily because of the life and security it provides. Handling money is an inevitable aspect of our lives, which is why Jesus teaches us how to deal with wealth and possessions in accordance to His will.
Christians are not called to specifically make new year resolutions as a mandatory exercise. However, we tend to practice it nevertheless, due to cultural norm. But Christians are to approach this as a spiritual discipline primarily, and not just for physical wellbeing.
Many Christians approach the topic of fasting as a legalistic practice, trying to please (bribe) God into favor toward us in some way or the other. But the Bible is more nuanced on fasting than we usually tend to think and practice. In this passage, we learn what kind of Spiritual importance Fasting holds.
How should we approach God in prayer and rely on Him for our earthly provisions? How can we grow in our communion with God and dependence on Him especially in an age where resources for daily life are available in abundance? How should we approach God for forgiveness of sins? Listen to the sermon to learn more on the Lord’s Prayer.
It is important to keep our attitude in check while we pray, because we are invited to speak to Creator of Heaven and Earth. We simply cannot pray to Him without reverence, or pray to impress others. But it is also important to know what should be the content of our prayer towards Him.