JESUS SPEAKING
“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.” (Matthew 6: 5 – 7)
FAITHFUL THOUGHTS
According to Jesus, many hypocrites were using public prayer to draw attention to themselves; and thus gain the admiration of other men rather than God. In turn, Christians are instructed to pray in secret as well; where no one but God is watching. This type of confidential prayer remains pure and undefiled; which causes our relationship with God to flourish and grow.
Concerning the dangers of seeking admiration for ourselves, we need only examine the fall of Satan from heaven. We read, “How you are fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning! How you are cut down to the ground, you who weakened the nations! For you have said in your heart: ‘I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God; I will also sit on the mount of the congregation on the farthest sides of the north; I will ascend above the heights of the clouds, I will be like the Most High.’ (Isaiah 14: 12 – 14)
Satan fell because he desired the admiration and worship of others; but only God deserves to be honored and glorified. And so the devil was cut down, cast out, and humbled. As Christians, we must not succumb to those same prideful desires. When we pray to the Lord in secret, we are set free from the burdens of selfish motivation. And because we honor Him in secret, He will then reward us openly.
“Lord Heavenly Father, may we avoid the desire to be honored by other men, and instead, may we seek the honor that only You can provide. May we be inspired to pray in secret, as we strive to grow in our relationship with You. Be present with us no matter where we are and guide us in accordance with Your will. We love You Father, we praise You, and we thank You, and we ask and pray all of these things, according to Your will, in Jesus Christ’s name, amen.” God bless all of you!
