Morning Devotional 020626 Praying 101

Liz’s Morning Devotional: Scripture selected from Upper Room

February 6, 2026

Matthew 6:5-15

5 “When you pray, don’t be like hypocrites. They love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the street corners so that people will see them. I assure you, that’s the only reward they’ll get. 6 But when you pray, go to your room, shut the door, and pray to your Father who is present in that secret place. Your Father who sees what you do in secret will reward you. 7 “When you pray, don’t pour out a flood of empty words, as the Gentiles do. They think that by saying many words, they’ll be heard. 8 Don’t be like them, because your Father knows what you need before you ask. 9 Pray like this: Our Father who is in heaven, uphold the holiness of your name. 10 Bring in your kingdom so that your will is done on earth as it’s done in heaven. 11 Give us the bread we need for today. 12 Forgive us for the ways we have wronged you, just as we also forgive those who have wronged us. 13 And don’t lead us into temptation, but rescue us from the evil one. 14 “If you forgive others their sins, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. 15 But if you don’t forgive others, neither will your Father forgive your sins.

Good Morning! Take time to be holy!

For many years, I was intimidated to pray aloud before others because I had heard them offer such thoughtful and meaningful prayers. I just felt incompetent in the company of such wise and holy ones. 

I prayed to God each day in the privacy of my own space, but occasionally I was in a group setting where people were called to offer prayers on behalf of others. I believe that praying for others is important for the one for whom the prayer is offered, but also the one who is praying for them. 

At first, I tried to imitate the praying style of those I admired, but I felt inauthentic. My public prayers were awkward. I finally leaned into God and asked for guidance. When I humbled myself before God, I was able to hear and feel the words coming to my lips. 

All of this to say, prayer is a personal thing between you and God. When offering prayers for others, open yourself to God and let the Holy Spirit help you form the words. Honestly, it is not the words we say, but the prayer's intent and the sacred time with God.

Redeeming Lord, you bless us abundantly!  We, your children, who have so much to say about everything, become slow of tongue when asked to pray. Help us open ourselves to share. Thank you. We love you. In Christ’s name we pray, Amen.

Thought for the day: Even simple prayers are heard by God.

Spend time with God! Pastor Liz