Disciples Experience God
Through Prayer based in Right Motives
Matthew 6:5
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. ~ Jesus
As with many Sermon-on-the-Mount topics, Jesus isn’t condemning all aspects of an area – like in our case of public prayer today. He Himself prayed publicly (i.e. John 6:11, 11:41-42).
John 6:11
Jesus then took the loaves, gave thanks, and distributed to those who were seated as much as they wanted. He did the same with the fish.
John 11:41-42
41 So they took away the stone. Then Jesus looked up and said, “Father, I thank you that you have heard me. 42 I knew that you always hear me, but I said this for the benefit of the people standing here, that they may believe that you sent me.”
His point is not to avoid praying in public altogether; but rather to avoid praying in public like the hypocrites. Hypocrites had a reputation for praying to be seen as prayerful people. This is why Jesus says that they've already received their reward – people saw them.
Jesus also indicates a lack of response from God (the “reward” for their prayer) because such prayers are for show.
If you’re praying for the acknowledgement of men, expect no response from God. You want to have God’s attention? Find a closet and get real with God there.
Prayer Prompt
and thy Father, which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly.
~ Matthew 6:6
Find a closet (quiet place) away from people, lay out your heart and mind before the Lord, realizing that the reward of such a choice is that God is listening. Ask Him to teach you, a disciple, how to pray.
Sermon on the Mount Video Series
Episode 6
Warnings About Religious Practices
What does religious hypocrisy look like? Let Bible Project help you explore three examples from Jesus in Matthew 6:1-8 and his warnings about the temptation to become a hypocrite.
https://bibleproject.com/videos/warnings-about-religious-practices/
Micro-Meditation
Psalm 84:8-12
- Hear my prayer, Lord God Almighty;
listen to me, God of Jacob. - Look on our shield, O God;
look with favor on your anointed one. - Better is one day in your courts
than a thousand elsewhere;
I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God
than dwell in the tents of the wicked. - For the Lord God is a sun and shield;
the Lord bestows favor and honor;
no good thing does he withhold
from those whose walk is blameless. - Lord Almighty,
blessed is the one who trusts in you.
Read the verses of the Psalm.
Mark the words or phrases that catch your attention.
Meditate: talk (or better, write) with God about those words. Ask Him to impress things upon your heart and mind; expect responses.
Pondering Point
Psalm 84:7-9a from the Lord’s perspective
[God:] I am your strength. I promise that I will help you get here,
giving you strength upon strength,
like I desire to do with all who heed My call
to come before Me, the Lord God Almighty.
Seek Me – in prayer; in life; I am listening; look for Me;
look to Me, for I am your Great Shield and Reward.