5“And when you pray, do not be like the hypocrites, for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the street corners to be seen by others. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full. 6But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you. (Matthew 6:5-6)
Thoughts: Jesus reminds the disciples (and us) that prayer is not something we do to impress others.. It is a reverent talking to God. Earthly prayers have temporary, fading earthly rewards. We may not see God, but He sees and hears us. Let your heart out to Him- not to be seen by others- but to be heard by Him. There is a promise that God rewards the prayer in secret. Why? Because God judges the sincerity of prayer. It is not the words but the heart of prayer that God understands Jesus later (Mt. 18) encourages joint worship and agreement in prayer. There is real power when people can agree in prayer. But here Jesus simply wants people to be sincere and true in their prayers to God.
Prayer: Lord, hear my prayer- done in secret and done in worship. May my heart be open and sincere before you.
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