The sermon discusses the Lord's Prayer, which was given by Jesus in response to his disciples' request to teach them to pray. The prayer was given twice, once during the Sermon on the Mount in Matthew and another time in Luke. The prayer is not the Lord's Prayer, but the disciples' prayer, as Jesus himself never had to ask God for forgiveness. The sermon explains that the prayer is more of an outline or pattern for prayer, and it sketches out God's priorities. The importance of prayer is emphasized, and it is stated that prayer is not about pressuring God or convincing him of our wisdom in running the universe. The first line of the prayer, "Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name," is analyzed, and it is explained that a name describes one's character, and the prayer seeks to honor God's character and name.


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Copyright 2018, John W. Howe