Why Do We Pray?

PRAY OVER THIS

“And when you pray, you shall not be like the hypocrites. For they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the corners of the streets, that they may be seen by men. Assuredly, I say to you, they have their reward. But you, when you pray, go into your room, and when you have shut your door, pray to your Father who is in the secret place; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly. And when you pray, do not use vain repetitions as the heathen do. For they think that they will be heard for their many words. Therefore do not be like them. For your Father knows the things you have need of before you ask Him.”

Matthew 6:5-8

 

PONDER THIS

Jesus is not opposed to public prayer. What He is opposed to is praying to be seen by men. This reminds me of a young lawyer who had just gone into business. He hung out his sign in front of his brand-new law office. He didn’t have one client. When he heard someone walking down the hallway, he thought, “Perhaps this is a client I can impress.” So, he picked up the phone, and nobody was on the other end of the line. He made up a story and said, “No, I’m sorry. I’ve got a heavy corporation case. I may be able to help you, but I’m very busy. Good-bye.” By that time the man who walked down the hall had arrived in his office and said, “I’m from the telephone company. I came to hook up your telephone.” That’s the kind of prayer that our Lord is talking about—when there’s nobody on the other end of the line. We’re just simply praying to be seen and heard by others.

Why do we pray? We do not pray to impress people, but we also don’t pray to impress God. It’s not the logic of our prayer, and it’s not the language of our prayer that impresses God. You don’t have to be a minister or poet to pray. It is really quite simple. Can you talk? Can you talk to another human being? Can you not talk to God? You don’t have to spin your wheels to impress Him or other people. Just come and talk to Him.

What is something important happening in your life that you need to talk to God about?

What does your prayer life look like? What are the occasions that you pray? What are the different things you pray for?

PRACTICE THIS

Take a prayer walk and talk to God as you move through your neighborhood.

LWF Dr. Adrian Rogers