Matthew 6:5-14
“And now about prayer. When you pray, don’t be like the hypocrites who pretend piety by praying publicly on street corners and in the synagogues where everyone can see them. Truly, that is all the reward they will ever get. But when you pray, go away by yourself, all alone, and shut the door behind you and pray to your Father secretly, and your Father, who knows your secrets, will reward you.
“Don’t recite the same prayer over and over as the heathen do, who think prayers are answered only by repeating them again and again. Remember, your Father knows exactly what you need even before you ask him!
“Pray along these lines: ‘Our Father in heaven, we honor your holy name. We ask that your kingdom will come now. May your will be done here on earth, just as it is in heaven. Give us our food again today, as usual, and forgive us our sins, just as we have forgiven those who have sinned against us. Don’t bring us into temptation, but deliver us from the Evil One. Amen.’”
The Living Bible copyright © 1971 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
One of the most controversial and confounding things about Christian faith seems to be how to pray. I know…it’s ridiculous, because this passage tells us in great detail how we should – and should not – communicate with God. Still, books are written about prayer. People debate whether “real prayers” should be “off-the-cuff” – or is it okay to read a prayer – and my number one frustration with this issue…whether we have “taken prayer out of school” (we have not!).
I urge you to read this passage again. God does not require public performances. We have the immense privilege and honor of being able to speak to God anywhere, anytime, without ever physically uttering a word. A mental or whispered, “Heavenly Father, help me!” is heard just as well as the most public of pronouncements. And when you consider that prayer is an intimate, personal dialog with God…doesn’t it make sense to tailor this to the situation – and talk to Him with as little “public” fanfare as possible?
Do not misunderstand me. Public prayer has its place. There are plenty of situations and circumstances where we are to lead others in prayer – or pray aloud with them or on their behalf. There are times when a beautifully written prayer – offered as such – can be a holy experience between us and God – and even a third party, if we are praying corporately. But we have to be very careful to stay genuine and pure in these prayers – and not make them a performance on our part.
When I listen to our children say their night-time prayers, I hear them model what we have modeled for them, which is the example that Jesus gives us in these verses. We give thanks, we pray for our loved ones and neighbors, we ask forgiveness and protection, and we give God all the glory. The children offer prayers of such purity and sincerity that I am often almost moved to tears. You and I must always endeavor to pray with such “childlike faith.”
Prayer is the most powerful tool we have as Christians. Our petitions unlock doors and open windows – and when we pray humbly and sincerely, God welcomes every utterance. Spend some time talking to God today. Let the model Jesus gave us guide your dialog…but don’t hesitate to keep it simple – and whisper, “Come, Lord Jesus.”
©2021 Debbie Robus
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