How Do YOU Pray?

We need God’s help on a daily basis. I came across a little prayer in a church magazine, headed: "A Morning Prayer for Help" - note that I said "morning"! "Dear God, so far today I’ve done alright, I haven’t gossiped, lost my temper, been nasty, selfish or over indulgent. But in a few minutes God, I’m going to get out of bed and from then on, I’m going to need all the help I can get!"    

                                                            

In all seriousness, prayer is a wonderful privilege enjoyed by us (the children of God). Through prayer we can receive mercy and grace to help in time of need (Hebrews 4:14-16). Through prayer we can find peace that guards our hearts and mind (Philippians 4:6-7). But the privilege of prayer assumes God will listen to our prayers. But here's the thing, not all prayers are acceptable to God (Proverbs 28:9). Yes, you heard right! God does not hear the prayers of all men! (Isaiah 59: 1-2; 1 Peter 3:12)

Perhaps a little clarification is necessary now. In Luke 18:9-14, Jesus described the prayer of one man which did not please God . But, do we know what qualifies as “Prayer That Pleases God”? In His sermon on the mount, Jesus had lots to say about prayer; especially the kind of prayer which finds favor in God’s sight.

Today, let’s take a look at Matthew 6:5-15, where Jesus taught His disciples regarding prayer. First, we find Jesus telling us what "not" to do in regards to prayer. Matthew 6:5 tells us not to pray like hypocrites who love to pray standing in the synagogues, or on the corners of the streets. Why do they do this? So that they can be seen by others! They do it for the attention. This is their reward. They have no real reward or blessing from God.

Don't get me wrong. Jesus is not condemning all public prayer. Not at all! This is quite evident from the fact that He Himself prayed in public (Matthew 11:25; John 11:41). Even Paul prayed in public As did Paul – Acts 27:35. The emphasis here is the same as stated in Matthew 6:1, “do not do your deeds of righteousness before men, to be seen by them.” Ok. so how are we supposed to pray so God hears us?

First of all,  prayer that pleases God is offered to be seen by God, not men (Matthew 6:6). This is the main idea of “praying in secret.” “The sincere and humble worshiper, one who is not interested in making a public display for the sake of enhancing his prestige, will find the secluded spot or room to be most appropriate for his devotions.” Simply put, the person who prays abundantly in secret is praying to be seen and heard by God, not men!

Secondly, we must avoid the use of “vain repetitions” (Matthew 6:7). This is not condemning all repetition, but “vain” (insincere, useless) repetition. After all, Jesus repeated Himself in prayer at Gethsemane (Matthew 26:36-44). Paul repeated his requests concerning his “thorn in the flesh” (2 Corinthians 12:7-8). Since “your Father knows the things you have need of before you ask Him,” prayers to be heard by God don't have to be filled with redundant words.

Thirdly, have you ever noticed the brevity, or shortness of prayers recorded in the Scriptures? God is not swayed by the quantity of words, but by the quality of the heart! Let's look at Matthew 6:9a. The phrase “after this manner” suggests that this prayer is a pattern for praying. It's important to mention here that this particular prayer is not a “bottled prayer” as it is sometimes practiced.

With that being said, we shall examine the pattern of proper prayer: First, simplicity. Notice the word “therefore” (v. 8) – It connects what follows with what was said before. In the prayer itself, note the brevity of words. Then, in its content, proper prayer includes reverence for God and His “Name” (i.e., His being and character) – Matthew 6:9; prayer for the progress of God’s Kingdom and His Will on the earth (Matthew 6:10). We are asking for physical necessities and our spiritual needs in Matthew 6:11.

Then there is the forgiveness of sins (Matthew 6:12); protection and deliverance from evil (Matthew 6:13a); praising God (Matthew 6:13b). And this is all offered with a merciful spirit, which is indicated in the pattern prayer itself  (Matthew 6:12, 14-15). Otherwise, we can't expect mercy for ourselves (Matthew 18:21-23; James 2:13). As we have seen today, prayer must be very important to Jesus – as is seen in the detail He gives.

In closing, this is not the only occasion in which Jesus taught about prayer! Later, His disciples would ask Him to teach them to pray (Luke 11:1-4). He also taught them about the importance of persistence, faith and humility in prayer (Luke 11:5-13; 18:1-14). If you take anything away from this message, remember this!

Jesus sought to stress prayer that is designed to be seen by God, not man; and to be heard by God, not man. Who knows better what kind of prayer that is, than He who now sits at the right hand of God! If we believe that God hears prayer (Psalm 65:2) and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him (Hebrews 11:6), then let’s be sure we offer the kind of “Prayer That Pleases God.”

Prayer: Dear Lord, thank you for all that you do. The love of life, the peace in my heart all comes from your grace. Please help me to show your love and grace to others as you have done for me. Thank you Lord for being a part of my life. Amen

May God always bless you!

Jean