Preparing for Sunday – Matthew 6:9-10

Preparing for Sunday – Matthew 6:9-10

Carefully Think Read Matthew 6:9-15. Recall last week’s message; what are we praying for when we ask for God’s name to be hallowed? What does it mean to “hallow” God’s name? Who is being asked to “hallow” God’s name? What is God’s kingdom and when is it “coming?” How is God’s will done in heaven? What are we praying when we ask for it to be done on earth? Prayerfully Meditate In light of Sunday’s opening message on prayer, how have you sought to incorporate it into your own prayer life? When you come to church this Sunday, think carefully about each movement of our time together. What is being emphasized in each part? How coudl this help you as you pray throughout the service? If God is sovereign, why do we pray for His will to be done? Which phrase within this prayer needs more focused attention in your own prayer time? Intentionally Act How will you specifically incorporate the first three phrases of the prayer in Matthew 6:9-10 into your regular time of prayer? Who will you pray for in this way? About what issues will you incorporate these themes as you pray? On at least three occasions this week, open your Bible to this passage and use it as a guide for your time of prayer. How does it help? What is most challenging in doing it? Use this model prayer in 6:9-13 in praying for our worship service this Sunday. Pray for those who do not know Christ and will be present in our service – that their hearts will be opened to God’s greateness,...
Preparing for Sunday – Matthew 5:10-12

Preparing for Sunday – Matthew 5:10-12

Here are a number of suggestions for those who will be attending Summit Woods Baptist Church this Sunday on how you can be prepared for the study of God’s word. Carefully Think Read Matthew 5:1-12 – focus on 5:10-12. What is persecution? What is Jesus not referring to when bringing up persecution? Why is persecution listed last in the list of the beatitudes? Even though 5:11-12 contain the word “blessed,” and refers to persecution, these verses are quite different than the rest of the beatitudes. List all the differences in form and style between 5:11-12 and the rest of the beatitudes. Why these differences? What are the different forms of persecution one can face (v 11)? What should be our response to persecution and why (v 12)? What biblical examples of persecution can you think of? What is the result of persecution (v 10)? Note the similarity with the result in the first beatitude. What is the difference between this one and the others? Prayerfully Meditate For what about your devotion to Jesus and His definition of righteousness have you most recently been persecuted? How often do you seem to face persecution for your faith? Why? Why not? Do you think Christians should expect regular persecution? Why or why not? Is there anything you intentionally hold back in your relationships with friends, at work, at home, etc., because you seek to avoid inevitable persecution? If so, why? If not, how has it provided opportunity to help people understand or be helped by the gospel? What challenges you most about finding joy in persecution? Why? What would help you to...