“5And when you pray, you must not be like the hypocrites. For they love to stand and pray in the synagogues and at the street corners, that they may be seen by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. 7And when you pray, do not heap up empty phrases as the Gentiles do, for they think that they will be heard for their many words.” – Matthew 6:5 & 7 (ESV)
I want to be careful in that it is the motives of those praying that Jesus is calling out here, not the prayer itself. I am sure that most of us have seen those that are praying loud and proud for all to see on the street and in other venues. They are loud and boisterous and pray for the longest time just to give the impression that they are somehow more holy than others and that their words alone will garner them some recognition.
I have been asked to pray in public before and have fallen to the idea that I have to somehow be eloquent and wordy. I have found myself going on and repeating things to God just to speak longer that somehow that might make the prayer even better.
6But when you pray, go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you. 8…for you Father knows what you need before you ask him.” – Matthew 6:6 & 8b (ESV)
This is the type of relationship that should be had with Christ. That personal intimate relationship. Saying, in private, only that which needs to be said. Speaking with God, knowing that I have His full attention and that He is hanging on every word. It is a conversation between He and I, and that is where is the focus.
This is not to say that we should not be praying in public. On the contrary. I should take every opportunity to pray and speak with God. But, I also must remember the relationship and that the prayer is intimate and between He and I. I should be saying what should be said and no more or less. I should be lifting others up to Him and leaving it at that. No need to go on and on so that I will be considered something more than I am. It has been recognized that I have a relationship with God and that has prompted others to ask me to continue that work in public. The message should be the same, only others are able to hear.
When you pray, are you doing so to impress others or to speak with God? Are you looking to lift yourself up to a higher standing? What if we were to simply have a conversation with God in private or in public when asked to do so?
Trevor's Thoughts 