***The audio file for this sermon was corrupted.***

The word used here in the phrase “devote yourselves,” is the Greek word, “Proskarterountes.” Other Bible translations render it as “Be constant in prayer,” “Continue steadfastly in prayer,” or “Be faithful in prayer,” and those are all good translations, but I think I prefer the phrase “devote yourselves” because it contains in it all of those other ideas of being faithful, constant and steadfast, and yet it adds an important additional meaning which is the idea that we have been set apart for the task of praying. For example, “The word is used in Mark 3:9 where it says, “[Jesus] told his disciples to have a boat ready (proskartere) for him because of the crowd, lest they crush him.” A boat was to be set apart or devoted for the purpose of taking Jesus away in case the crowd began to press in on Him. “Devoted” – then means that a thing or person is dedicated for a task, set apart for the purpose of that thing.” So in saying “devote yourselves to prayer,” that verse is saying that we are to be set apart for the purpose of praying, and also, yes, be constant in it, faithful in it, and continue in it steadfastly. Praying goes right to the heart of why we exist and why we have been called into relationship with God.

In this message we are continuing in our sermon series about discipleship by taking up a familiar but weighty portion of scripture, the Lord’s prayer (Matthew 6:5-15). Before giving the disciples this sample prayer Jesus said “Pray then like this,” and so in this message we will yet again be looking to Jesus’ example and seeking to follow that example as sincere, from-the-heart imitator of Jesus. Come learn to pray as Jesus prayed.