Discover the Power of PrayerSample

When Christ instructed His disciples on prayer, He began by instructing them how not to pray. His instructions are particularly pertinent in a day when people love admiration from others for their accomplishments. Christ said, “And when thou prayest, thou shalt not be as the hypocrites are: for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets, that they may be seen of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward.” (Matthew 6:5)

He also said, “But when ye pray, use not vain repetitions, as the heathen do: for they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking.” (Matthew 6:7)

How can we sum up Christ’s words about how not to pray? Pray not for other people’s ears, but for God’s ears alone. Does this mean we should never pray in public? Of course not. What it does mean is that we should focus on God when we pray. We should bare our hearts before our Heavenly Father. We should never want to pray so that someone would say to us, “That was a wonderful prayer.” Rather, we pray because we know our Father hears us.

Does this mean that we should not pray a short prayer for the food when we are in a public restaurant? Does this mean we have to pray a fifteen minute prayer before we eat so we do not have “vain repetition” as part of our prayer life? Jesus, our model for successful prayer, is telling us that our private prayer life should be honest and open. He is saying not to pray so that other people can hear us, but to pray so that God will listen to us. Jesus was less concerned with the form of our prayers (whether they were private or public) than He was with their substance.

Ask God to give you insight into practical ways you can endeavor to live out these truths and write those ways underneath each of God’s desires for you. In the coming week, look for opportunities to practice the truth of these verses and then write down the date next to each point on the list.

This devotional was based on James Scudder's book, Discover the Power of Prayer.

Get your copy today, and take the next step in becoming a stronger, more blessed, faithful prayer warrior.