In Matthew 6:9, our Lord Jesus says, “Pray then like this” (ESV).

Of course, you immediately recognize this passage as the place where Jesus teaches the disciples how to pray. And this is that most familiar and beloved part of the Sermon on the Mount we call the ‘Lord’s Prayer.’ On Sunday we will consider this passage in view of our recent studies in the Epistle of James, and most importantly chapter 5 of James where the Lord’s brother also speaks of prayer.

You will remember that last week we examined that controversial passage where James calls upon those who are seriously ill to summon the elders of the Church, who should then come to their side and pray for their deliverance from affliction (5:14-15). And in that larger section of the epistle (5:7-18), James refers to prayer no less than 7 times, which is equal to the number of times he refers to suffering. His purpose is to promote fervent and faithful prayer among God’s people.

But before we look at the balance of James 5, we will journey once more to the model prayer of Matthew 6 to see what else we may learn from the older brother of James that will assist and encourage us in our praying.

As you prepare for worship, take some time to read once again the inspired words of our Lord in Matthew 6:1-13.