Summary of the Passage (Matthew 6:5-18):

Just like last week’s hypocrites who give to the needy, Jesus rebukes hypocrites who pray and fast for recognition and praise. He instructs us to instead pray as He does in the iconic “The Lord’s Prayer”. Jesus allows us to use Him as an example; commanding that we pray, forgive, and fast as He did—with full humility and with full intention to grow closer to the Father.

Discussion Questions:

1. Verses 5-8: Where are we at?

- What does prayer look like for you; which of these verses do you feel most accurately describes your prayer life?

2. Verses 9-13: The Lord’s Prayer

- Take some time to pray through The Lord’s Prayer.

- What did you think of this model of prayer?

3. Verses 14-15: Forgiveness and Prayer

- As you prayed verse 12, were you convicted of any unforgiveness in your life? If you’re honest, do you live a life marked by Jesus’ forgiveness so that you can forgive others?

4. Verses 16-18: Fasting

- Why do you think the Church treats fasting like a super discipline? Why do you think fasting is necessary and doable for ALL believers?

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