When You Pray

Matthew 6:5-9
"And when you pray, you shall not be like the hypocrites. For they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the corners of the streets, that they may be seen by men. Assuredly, I say to you, they have their reward. But you, when you pray, go into your room, and when you have shut your door, pray to your Father who is in the secret place; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly. And when you pray, do not use vain repetitions as the heathen do. For they think that they will be heard for their many words. Therefore do not be like them. For your Father knows the things you have need of before you ask Him. In this manner, therefore, pray: Our Father in heaven, hallowed be thy name."

Jesus began to equip His disciples for true power and deepened relationship by teaching them to pray. They had seen, by example, that He was quick and faithful to protect His quiet time, and they saw the life that resulted from talking regularly with His Heavenly Father.

Jesus began by telling them that their prayer was to be different from what they may have heard before. It was to be for the right reasons. It was not to be like the hypocrites who prayed to be seen by man. It was not a show. It was not just an obligation. It was a conversation with their Father and when they talked to Him, they were to do it privately. They were to be alone so as not to be distracted. They were to really focus on Him and learn to cherish their time with a loving Father.

They were not to use vain repetitions. God was not impressed with how many words they used or how "flowery" the prayer sounded. If they really thought about it, prayer was not to tell God what they wanted because He is omniscient. He knows everything. No, prayer is an opportunity to come close to the Father, to share burdens, to praise His name, to thank Him. It is a demonstration of how utterly dependent we are on Him. It is an opportunity to slow down and sense His presence; to enjoy both Him and the life He has created for us. It is an opportunity to hear from Him because prayer is a dialogue.

Jesus told His disciples that when they prayed, they were to acknowledge the hearer of their prayer. They were to call Him Father. Think of what is rolled into that name. A good Father is gracious and kind. He takes care of His children. He is wise and gives good guidance. He protects. He is forgiving. We need never doubt that our Father loves us or is working out good things for us. A good Father is always there. This is who we address in prayer; this Wonderful Heavenly Father who is ready to listen and able to help us.

Jesus says that the Father's name is hallowed. It is holy and worthy of reverence. It is not to be taken lightly or used in vain. Through His name He reveals Himself to us.

Spending time with the Father keeps Him at the the center of your life. If you do not a quiet time, begin today. If you keep this appointment, you will be blessed in many ways. Make a quiet time a priority of your day. Use your Bible for guidance. Pray in response to the Scripture you read. Focus on the person you are meeting rather than just on the ritual of praying, and seek to glorify your Father who is in heaven.

"Lord, teach us to pray. Help us to love and honor You and Your blessed name. Speak to us as we come to you for everything."