• Read Matthew 6:9-13

Say this prayer aloud several times slowly. Think about the words and meanings.

• What pops out to you to focus on? (this is often how the Holy Spirit speaks to us)
• Just saying the word Father can bring up all the mental images of our earthly fathers. When you say the word father, what kinds of images do you have?
• How are you coming to see that our Father God is different or similar to your earthly father?
• Pray about where you are tempted right now.

Memorization Verse: Matthew 5:7 “Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.”

• Read Matthew 6:5-8

Jesus gives us some practical advice related to prayer. How does He encourage us to practice prayer?

• What do you imagine our reward to be?

Jesus seems to say that it’s not our large amount of words that God listens to, but instead a humble heart coming to Him, simply talking.

Spend some time right now simply telling the Father what you need. Remember, He won’t be surprised, He already knows, He wants to talk with you.

Memorization Verse: Matthew 5:7 “Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.”

• Read Matthew 6:1-4

What are acts of righteousness that you have seen practiced in front of others?

Why do you think that in Jesus’ Kingdom we are not ‘showy’?

All throughout this chapter, we are going to see some ‘practices’ or ‘acts of righteousness’. These do not make us more holy in God’s sight, but actually put us in a humble posture to know Him more. How we practice these practices matters.

• How do you practice giving? What are the ways that you are giving right now?
• What guidelines does Jesus offer related to giving?

Memorization Verse: Matthew 5:7 “Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.”

Spend some time this morning reflecting on chapter 5.

Read it through.

Ask the Holy Spirit to help you love God and others in deeper ways.

• Read Matthew 5:27-48

• Read these verses out loud several times or listen to them on your phone—get them into your heart.
• From these verses, describe life in Jesus’ Kingdom:
• What verse(s) popped out to you? Keep paying attention to that!

Memorization Verse: Matthew 5:3-6 “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.”

• Read Matthew 5:43-48

How do you feel that the sun and the rain go to everyone—whether or not they are unrighteous or righteous? (sometimes that is frustrating for me)

How does loving our enemy help perfect us?

Who is your enemy? Is anyone persecuting you?

Memorization Verse: Matthew 5:6 “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.”

• Read Matthew 5:38-42

How did you do yesterday speaking more slowly and pondering more what you are saying?

From these verses, how do they paint a picture of life in Jesus’ Kingdom?

How is this command different from just being a doormat and being taken advantage of?

Has something like this ever been a part of your life? Have you ever ‘gone two miles with someone’?

How does observing this command show trust in God?

Memorization Verse: Matthew 5:6 “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.”