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KEY VERSE:
Matthew 6:5-8 (ESV)
5 “And 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.6 But 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. 7 “And 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. 8 Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him.
INTRODUCTION:
Prayer is an essential part of a Christian’s Life. God desires us to pray. Prayer opens the door for us to share our life with Him. There is of course a right way to pray and a wrong way to pray. In these verses, Christ is giving us instruction on how to pray effectively.
Prayer can be hypocritical.
Prayer can become habit forming.
prayer can be ritual. Prayer can be repetitious.
Prayer can be too long.
Christ says, “when we pray”. This is personal prayer.
Christ says there is a right and wrong way to pray.
Christ pictures 2 men praying, one to men and one to the Father.
Christ is telling us that prayer is very important and shouldn’t be wasted by purposely being seen by others. We should instead use prayer to spend quality time with God the Father. Tell Him your deepest hurt, joy or just chat with Him about your day. He’s listening, are you?