Liz’s Morning Devotional: Scripture selected from Upper Room
November 23, 2024
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! Pray with purpose!
When it comes to praying, the criteria are simple. You don’t get extra recognition for saying the longest or fanciest prayer. Nor do you “win” points for being the loudest or being heard by the most people. We are to pray with purpose and conviction: pray with what’s on your heart.
Jesus tells us not to pray like hypocrites. For some of us, our human nature makes us competitive in many things, including praying. I remember going to a prayer service a few years ago. I expected it would be a time to gather and pray silently, but the leader extended the invitation to share your prayer aloud if you felt the spirit move you to do so.
Initially, it was quiet, but then someone prayed aloud. That seemed to open the floodgates, and the prayers gushed out. People respectfully waited their turn, but it quickly became a competition for the best prayer. The event turned into what Jesus warned about in this passage.
Even when well-intentioned, we fall into the habits of our earthly expectations. These praying spectacles make many judge their own ability to pray as inadequate. What a travesty! All our thoughts are known to God before we speak, and the words themselves are unimportant. Pray and talk to God openly.
Dear Lord, We are your children! Praying is our way to speak with you. Thank you for listening. Praise be to God! Thank you! In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen
Thought for the day: God never tires of hearing from us.
Speak your heart! Pastor Liz
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