Prayer is not...
Matthew 6:5-8
Prayer is you speaking directly to the Creator about your deepest needs, desires, and burdens.
Prayer has become a trite expression in our culture. If someone is experiencing loss or a time of difficulty, even unsaved people will "say a prayer" for the afflicted person. Prayer is used before government meetings whose attendees are not all Christians. Prayers are said to open ceremonies and events. Prayer is often said by God-deniers in hope that uttering well-wishes will accomplish a desired goal. Prayer is also a universal term, spanning many religions and encompassing many gods. Prayers are said to Jesus, Mary, Mohammed, Buddha, Gaia, and to no one at all. Prayer has been redefined by our world.
The redefining of prayer doesn't stop with the heathen world. Christians have redefined the basics of prayer from the Bible. Prayer has become a way to impress others, a way to show spirituality. It has become a ritual, a meaningless utterance of words out of duty. The heart and soul shown in David's prayers through Psalms is not experienced by most believers today. Sadly, prayer has lost its meaning for some.
As you think of how you define (or practice) prayer in your own life, consider Matthew's words on what prayer should not be.
Prayer shouldn't be a show. Matthew 6:5 states, "And when thou prayest, thou shalt not be as the hypocrites are: for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets, that they may be seen of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward." Hypocrites or two-faced Christians love to pray the right prayers to convince others of their own spirituality. They know just the right words to say and the right phrases to string together. But their prayers are simply wasted breaths.
Those who pray for others to hear have their reward. They receive their accolades from those around them. But prayer isn't directed to human beings; prayer should be directed to God. Prayer is not a show, but is a humble approaching of the very throne of God.
Prayer shouldn't be a ritual. Other religions of the world practice prayer by chanting or reading pre-made statements. They view prayer as simply words said aloud. Their prayers aren't from their hearts but from their lips.
As Christians, we know the power that prayer has. Prayer shouldn't simply be the repeating of words or the reciting of a list. Prayer is the connecting of believer and God, and the conveyance of heartfelt emotion to God.
How do you pray? Do you simply recite words out of duty? Do you "spice up" your prayers when other people are around? Prayer is not a show nor a ritual. Prayer is you speaking directly to the Creator of the world about your deepest needs, desires, and burdens. It's expressing your thankfulness for His goodness. It's your privilege and honor as a believer. The next time you pray, be sure to pray from your heart rather than simply from your lips.
Daily Bible Reading
1 Kings 12-13 | Luke 22:1-30
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