The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1898-01-29
THE SUNDAY-SCH0OL LESSON.
Jan. 80, 1sos-Matthew vi, S-1S.

Jan. 80, 1S9S-Matfhew vi, 5-15.
On the inky background of a blended Pharisee-
ism and heathenism, Jesus causes true prayer to
stand in clear-cut outline. For some. prayer was
the playing Of part. The place where they con-
trived 10 pray was so ordered as to insure them
a human audience. Their attitude speetac-
ular. Such prayers were always answered. The
thing sought was admiration and applause. 1t
was not withheld. Jesus intimates the parity of
heathenism and Phariseeism when, without
hiatus He proceeds to deprecate the pagan Gus
tom Of babhling-of endless iteration of phrases.
Having indicated what prayer is not. He
proceeds TO affirm its essentipl character. Prom
inent in this is its retiring spirit. 1t seeks the
closet. It closes the door. Its one concern is to
be seen and heard of God At the same time it
recognizes the fact that Omniscience must know
the need before it is framed in words. =
According TO His custom. Jesus now gives
specific example of a right prayer: "A pattern
prayer, so exactly suited to the wants of men
that it has become the basis and substance of all
Christian worship" 1t is fine example OF the
avoidance of many words insisted uron. The
equilibrium between comprehensiveness and con-
densation is maintained as Jesus only could
maintain it. The exordium is a reverential adj
dress to the Deity, in which His existence unity
and paternal character adoringly recognized.
AS the kingdom of heaven is practically
the topic Of the sermon in general so it will be
found the solvent of this prayer in particular.
The coming OF the Kingdom will insure the hal
lowing of the divine name and the doing of the
divine WILL as in heaven. so on earth. The COM
ing Of the kingdom insures dissolution. reduces
temptations and consequently delivers from evil,
Criticism has fairly established the fact
that the doxology was not a part of the prayer
as originally given. But the lofty ascription
chords so perfectly that it viii probably continue
in forever.
MOSAIC FROM COMMENTARIES
When thou prayest: Gctymologically) with a
VOW Praying Alright, a man binds himself with
a VOW to- live to Gods glory if the petition is
granted.-Clarke.
Hypocrites: Literally, plax-actors-whed
Corners of the streets: Pharisees contrived to
be overtaken in the streets by the canonical
hours for prayers.-Clarke.
Enter into thy closet: The heart is the closet
to which we should retire.-Bengel
Shut thy door: In any case. shut the door of
thy senses-Ster
Vain repetitions: Iteration of words-Bengel
Let there not be much speaking, yet much
prayer: not superfuous words but continual
pious affection of heart.-Augustine
Before We ask. We pray them not to instruct
the Father.-Bengel.
After this manner: This formula is contrasted
with much speaking contains the words which
suit the matter best arranged in the utmost
wisdom, and is so admirably full in its brevity
that it embodies. for example, this entire SER
mon of Christ-Ibd.
AS a whole the Lords Prayer is one thought
the desire for Gods kingdom, to which all the
prayers of His children may be resolved-Ols-
hansen.
The Christian prays everlasting Lords
Prayer-Luther
Our Father: Against atheism, pantheism,
poIytheism -Whedon.
Each speaks for all.-Ibid.
NJ OLE and
goodness-Ibid.
Kingdom come: BY our willing submission to
it.--Ibid
Earth as in heaven: Men as obedient as angels.
Earth counterpart of heaven.-Ibid.
Daily bread; First among petitions. because
natural precedes spiritual.-Bengel.
AS we forgive: He asks eternal vengeance upon
himself who offers this prayer with hatred in
his heart-Ibid.
Lead us not: Temptation always in the way;
therefore we pray not that it may not exist,
but that it may not overpower.-Ibid.
Thine the kingdom: The doxology an insertion.
probably, from ancient lturgy.-Ibid
THE TEACHERS CULVER.
Certainly, Jesus purpose was not to forbid
public prayer. He prayed publicly himself. The
first word ('Our'D of this ideal form indicates
that it is intended for congregational use. What
is meant is, that secret prayer is to pre-
ponderate.
The prayers of the Pharisees were not offered
to God at all, since man. and not God was in
their thoughts.
''Player-wheels,' turned by water power,
abound in India. The prayer, pasted on the
Wheel is thought to be said by every revolution
We laugh at the crude device but we wholly
free from meaningless iterations? God does not
need to be instructed aroused.
In Michael Angeles palace in Florence there is
a closet in the wall covered with secret panel.
There, alone, he wrought his ideals. The secret
pains had their open reward. so of prayer
whoever name Father can pray the
The prayer can be divided into two parts: The
first relates to the Father. and contains three
petitions j. e., concerning His name, His king
dom and His will. The second concerns our
selves, and is comprehended in the words bread,
forgiveness, deverance.
Prayer is, in the highest conception of it, a
state rather than act. Benefit depends upon
continuity
without ceasing. but to have holy aptitude
for it,
II have so much to do, cannot get along well
without three hours day praying. "-Luther)
Daniel was a busy statesman, but amid the
cares of office he found time to pray three times
day.
Lord what a change within us one short hour
Spent in Thy presence, will prevail to maker
-(Trench)
''when the whole number of the sons of God
shall have reached this goal, pure doxology will
arise in heaven: Hahowed be the name of our
Cod His kingdom is come. His will is done He
has forgiven our sins. lie has brought
the evil one. He is the kingdom, and the power,
and the glory forever Amen"'--(Bengel)
Song of the Armenian Shepherd.
One " the stars arise
In the meadows of the skies;
One by one, all white and stl,
Rest my sneep yonder hill.
Now / lay my crook away,
Toll is with the day;
Kneeling at my frugal board
Break the bread anu less the Lord.
Lord. look on and us all,