How to Pray and How Not to Pray

 N. T. #57  "How to Pray and How Not to Pray"

April 26, 2023

Matthew 6-Part 2

LET IT GLOW

Previously, we discussed the true spiritual worship expressed in giving. Today we learn about praying. Do you pray to God? When and where, how often do you pray? Are your prayers answered?

What is prayer? It is talking to God, whether by thought or tongue and a way a believer fellowships with God. Fellowship with man is the one thing God desires. 

First, Jesus warns us about praying with the wrong motive. We are to not be like the hypocrites who would pray to be seen of the people as being religious. They prayed for the applause of people. (verse 5) Also, they prayed to put on a show using fancy words to impress others. So a person can pray for the wrong reasons, with the wrong motives. 

Secondly, where did the hypocrites pray? The prayed in the synagogues, striving to bring themselves honor using lengthy and wordy prayers. Also, they prayed on the street corners, bringing notice to them. It was pride that seemed to be behind their prayers. Reckon it only got as high as the ceiling?

Public praying is not condemned by Jesus, just the wrong motive behind it. Remember, Jesus sees our hearts.

[Resources: Liberty Bible Commentary, Life Application Study Bible, The Tony Evans Bible Commentary, Matthew Henry's Commentary, The Preacher's Outline & Sermon Bible]

LET IT GROW

Since we don't want to have the wrong motive of praying to be seen by men, what is the right motive? It is praying to be heard by our God. (verse 6)

Prayer can be a wonderful experience as we talk and listen to our Creator and Heavenly Faither. Through prayer we get forgiveness of our sins, find answers to our questions, and come to know our God more intimately and find His will for our life. We can worship and praise our God through silent prayers. 

How do we have meaningful prayers? Jesus told us in verses 6 and 7:

• Pray in your closet, shutting the door. Having a special place where you can get alone with God without interruptions is the main idea. 
• Pray in secret. Secret means concealed; private; inwardly; hidden. It is called "getting alone with God." 
• The Father which sees in secret shall reward thee openly. (verse 6)
• Do not use vain repetitions when praying like the heathen do. Vain repetitions means folly; to no purpose; through the idea of tentative manipulation unsuccessful search or else of punishment.

Jesus condemns the use of empty repetition as an attempt to overcome the will of God by wearing Him out. It isn't the length of the prayer, but the strength of prayer that prevails with God. God is not impressed with words, but with the genuine outcry of a needy heart. (Falwell)

"Help me Jesus" can go directly to His throne. Help comes. I have asked for some unusually things, but my Savior comes through for me in my time of need.

LET IT GO

Thank You Jesus that You love us and are concerned with each of our lives.

May we do Your will, Your way, today, I pray.

Please bless those who come to read this.

Glory to God in the highest.