Today’s Reading, Matthew 5-6
Focal Scripture: Matthew 6:6 “But when you pray, go into your private room, shut your door, and pray to your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.”
Some areas of our life are more private than others. We often reserve the most intimate parts of our lives for those we are closest with. We don’t share the details and discuss what happens in those intimate times. This can be in the confines of a marriage relationship or even private conversations. Either way these times are special and private. Can one discuss these things publicly? Yes they can, but it would violate confidence and trust.
In the focal verse today Jesus tells his hearers how they should pray. He is not saying one should never pray publicly. What he is saying is that when you pray you’re doing it for an audience of one. Prayer is intimate. Prayer is meaningful. Prayer should be intentional and we see that with one going into a closet and even shutting the door behind them. Jesus wants to make clear that prayer is not a public event. It is a passionate conversation. This time of intimacy with the father will be rewarded in your faith journey.
So the challenge for believers today is how much time do you spend in prayer? Is prayer a daily part of your life? I am not talking about the quick prayers we offer over certain aspects of our lives. Do you intentionally carve out time to get alone with the God of the universe and have intimate conversations? This practice will change your life.
I encourage you to start a practice of at least ten minutes a day to pray. Find somewhere you can be alone and get down to business with God. Maybe your car is the perfect place. Or somewhere at home that is not busy. Wherever you go be intentional to shut off the world. Be singularly focused. No distractions from the busyness. When you pray thank God for who he is and pour out your concerns to him.
In my opinion the greatest weakness that believers, churches, and the world has is prayerlessness. Examine how long your church prays during its time together and tell me if prayer is a priority. If it is not challenge the status quo. Examine how much time you pray and determine if prayer is a priority for you as well.
Prayer changes things. But if we’re not praying what will change.
Tomorrow I plan on reading Matthew 7-8
