Scripture teaching about prayer

Matthew 6:5 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. 6:6 But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly. 6:7 But when ye pray, use not vain repetitions, as the heathen do: for they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking.

As believers, we recognize that prayer is not simply a ritual or a means of fulfilling our desires but a powerful connection to the Almighty God. In Matthew 6:5-7, Jesus Himself imparts valuable wisdom about prayer, revealing its true essence, and providing guidelines that can transform our spiritual lives. This, we shall look into through the teaching of Christ. 

I. Prayer is a personal encounter 

Jesus begins by stating, "And when you pray…" This simple phrase conveys the intimate nature of prayer—an opportunity for us to enter into a personal encounter with God. It signifies that prayer is not about showcasing our piety before others but about communing with the Father who knows us intimately. When we approach prayer with this mindset, we open the door to a deeper and more meaningful connection with God.

II. Humility in Prayer 

Jesus admonishes against praying "standing in the synagogues and on the street corners to be seen by others." Our prayers should never be driven by a desire to impress or gain recognition from people. Instead, Jesus invites us to embrace humility in our prayer lives. It is in the quiet, secret place of prayer where our hearts can be laid bare before God, unburdened by pretense or showmanship. Genuine humility prepares the soil of our hearts for the transformative work of the Holy Spirit.

III. Authenticity and Sincerity (Matthew 6:6)

Jesus encourages us to find a secluded place to pray, away from distractions and the eyes of others. In this solitude, we are invited to express our deepest longings, fears, and hopes with authenticity and sincerity. God is not impressed by flowery language or eloquent speeches; rather, He seeks our honest hearts and genuine expressions. Through prayer, we can be vulnerable before God, acknowledging our weaknesses, and seeking His guidance and strength.

IV. God's Omniscience and Our Trust (Matthew 6:7)

In the final verse of this passage, Jesus warns against "babbling like pagans." This caution emphasizes that prayer is not a mere repetition of empty words or mindless chants. Our Heavenly Father is omniscient; He knows our needs even before we speak them. Therefore, Jesus invites us to approach prayer with trust, confident that our Father hears and understands us. We are called to surrender our worries, fears, and anxieties, knowing that God will provide according to His perfect will.

Conclusion:

let us remember that prayer is not about putting on a performance or seeking the approval of others. It is about cultivating a personal relationship with our Heavenly Father an intimate conversation where we pour out our hearts and listen to His gentle whispers. 

As we pray with humility, authenticity, and trust, we unlock the power of prayer in our lives, experiencing God's transformative presence, guidance, and provision.

May we be a people who approach prayer with reverence and sincerity, seeking to align our hearts with the will of God. Amen. 

God bless you. 

Prayer key:

1. Lord, thank you for the blessing of today in Jesus Christ name. 

2. Lord, let my prayer life be characterized by genuine humility and authentic expressions, drawing me closer to your heart in Jesus Christ name 

3. Lord, help me not to pray amis and grant me the grace to have answer to my prayers in Jesus Christ name. 

4. Thank you Lord for answered prayers in Jesus Christ name. Amen.