* Prayer is communicating with God.

* Communication is the only way a relationship grows.

* If Satan can’t get you to NOT pray, he tries to pervert it.

* So Jesus gives us a model for how we are to do it.

* The 3S Model:

* 1) Be SECRET (vs 5-6).

* Acts of affection should are private - Acts of attention are public - which one are you going for?

* See how it works if you only say nice things about your spouse on FaceBook but not to his/her face.

* 2) Be SINCERE (vs 7-8).

* Don’t pray religious prayers filled with repetition.

* How would that work in a real relationship with a person?

* 3) Be SYSTEMATIC (vs 9-13).

* Wrapping a system around your prayer life keeps you moving toward your goal (like a moving walkway in an airport).

* SYSTEM:

* Start with OUR - a relational mindset, not about ME.

* Father - the foundation of prayer is “sonship” - we are sons and daughters of God.

* Hallowed - reverence, thanks, and praise.

* Your Kingdom come… - this is the first request - you want God’s rule to manifest itself on the earth more than anything else/.

* Daily bread - this is the first personal request - it’s all about contentment, recognizing God is the One Who provides.

* Forgive us our debts AS WE FORGIVE… - our relationship to God is contingent on our relationship to others.

* Do not lead us into temptation - asking for help to stay away from that which trips you up (like taking ice cream out of the freezer).

* Kingdom-Power-Glory - it goes right back to God - it’s all about HIM.

* God's comprehensive rule in people produces POWERFUL people, which brings God glory.