Prayer - Matthew 6:5-14

SCRIPTURE

Matthew 6:5-14

LANGUAGE

Vs 5 hypocrites - actor under an assumed character
Vs 6 secret - private, inwardly

COMMENTS

I find it interesting that when Jesus tells them how to pray, His first instruction is to not be like the hypocrites, using the same word He used in verse 2 when talking about doing your righteous deeds for show. Perhaps the same idea continues. Don't pray for show, thinking that God somehow owes you a response just because you pray to Him.

But when you do pray, don't do it to be seen (and praised) by others. Do it privately, because God will hear that prayer. Don't think your prayers have to be long to be effective. God knows what you need before you even ask. Now this brings up an interesting point. If God knows, why ask? My opinion? Look at the example prayer Jesus gives. It is not about a wish list of items, but rather is about the truth of who God is. It leads to worship. It leads to change our our part. How can you honestly say, "God forgive me as I forgive others," when you do not forgive?

What of that statement? Will God not forgive me if I don't forgive others? Sometimes forgiveness is hard. Sometimes it takes time. We are only human. I don't think this is a tit-for-tat statement, telling us that if we lack any forgiveness, God will not forgive us. I could be wrong. But rather, this is a statement causing us to check our hearts. If there is someone we have not forgiven, what are we doing to work on that? Do we feel the weight that unforgiveness is putting on us, on our relationship with others, on our relationship with God?

If God knows, why pray? Because it leads to worship. Worship God because of who he is, not what he gives or what you expect. This flies in the face of prosperity and most of what is preached and taught today.

V9 - Hallowed - Holy. Do we see God as Sovereign and holy first and foremost?
V10 - Do we pray for His will and His ways to be accomplished. If we bring a request, do we consider its place in the kingdom and His will?
V11 - Give us what we need. But if our eyes are fixed on heaven, even life itself is not a necessity.
V12 - Forgive us as we forgive others. Do we even realize what this means? That we are praying "God, don't forgive me if I don't forgive others?"Wow!
V13 - Lead us not into temptation (because we know we are weak), but deliver us from evil (because our souls are in your control)

I think I need to retool my prayer life.