[Jesus continued:] “When you pray, don’t be like the hypocrites who love to pray publicly on street corners and in the synagogues where everyone can see them. I tell you the truth, that is all the reward they will ever get. But when you pray, go away by yourself, shut the door behind you, and pray to your Father in private. Then your Father, who sees everything, will reward you.”
Key Thought
In almost every place you go and visit with Christians, there is a deep, underlying conviction: Our walk with the Lord, our life of discipleship, our power over sin, and our love for God would all be greatly enhanced with more time in prayer. Without realizing it, a culture obsessed with privacy finds its most intimate and private gift, prayer, lived out in public more than in private. Prayer is about developing a relationship and dependency on God as Father, not about being seen. Prayer is about seeking God, his will, and his grace, not about gaining a reputation or a set of admirers. Jesus is reminding us that God has sent us an invitation to visit with him in prayer. To give up that privilege for the approval of the crowd is not only shameful; Jesus says it’s useless.
Today’s Prayer
Abba Father, I want to know you and experience your attending presence. Forgive me for the times I have prayed in ways that drew attention to me, or to my “piety,” instead of focusing on my relationship with you. Time in your presence is such a gift! Thank you. I find it unfathomable that you, the King of ages and Creator of the universe, long for me to come into your presence. Thank you for hearing me. Thank you for giving me such an awesome gift. Thank you for your Spirit who intercedes for me when I pray. Thank you that I can pray with confidence knowing that I will be heard because of the mighty name of Jesus, through whom I pray. Amen.
Related Scripture Readings
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