Praying Like JesusНамуна

Day 6: Pray Without Pride

“And when you pray, do not be like the hypocrites, for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the street corners to be seen by others. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full.” – Matthew 6:5

Prayer is not a performance. In Matthew 6:5, Jesus warns us that there can be wrong motives when we pray, such as seeking the approval of others rather than communion with God. The hypocrites He describes stand on street corners, speaking loudly, not to honor God but to elevate themselves. Their reward? The fleeting attention of people rather than the eternal blessing of God.

Contrast this with Daniel’s bold prayer life in Daniel 6:1-10. When a law was enacted forbidding prayer to anyone but King Darius, Daniel didn’t hide his devotion to God. He opened his windows and prayed three times daily, just as always. His actions weren’t motivated by pride but by faithfulness. Daniel wasn’t seeking attention; he was seeking God, even at the risk of his life.

The difference between the hypocrites Jesus rebukes and Daniel’s example is the posture of the heart. The hypocrites wanted recognition, but Daniel wanted a relationship. The hypocrites prayed for show, but Daniel prayed because he knew his relationship with God was more important than anything else.

Today, examine your heart. Are your prayers rooted in humility, or are they tinged with pride? When you pray, are you seeking to connect with God or to impress others?

Prayer is a sacred and personal act of worship. Whether private or public, it should flow from a genuine desire to honor God, not a need for validation. As you pray today, follow Daniel’s example of bold faith and Jesus’ teaching of humble surrender.

Pray with the intent of drawing closer to God, not drawing attention to yourself. Remember, God sees your heart and delights in authentic, humble prayer.