My Moody colleague Dr. Bill Thrasher recently wrote an excellent book titled How to Resurrect a Dead Prayer Life. More Christians than would like to admit it struggle in this area. If you do, Bill’s book will be helpful. He deals with topics including “Turning our temptations into conversations with God” and “Opening up our lives to God’s cleansing and restoration.”
After teaching about hypocrisy in giving, Jesus turns to hypocrisy in prayer. As with the previous topic, He first explains what not to do: Don’t “pray” in a showy manner in order to gain human honor (v. 5). The attention such people attract is the only “reward” they’ll ever receive. Their words are a measure of hot air capacity, not inner holiness.
Instead, as with giving, we should pray “in secret” (vv. 6–8). We should find a private room and close the door. What’s more, many words are not needed. Rather than “babbling like pagans,” we can speak simply and clearly. What’s wrong with “many words”? Such people think this is why they will be heard; in other words, their prayers are anxious. They’re not sure if God is listening or cares enough to answer. After all, the wise use words “with restraint” (Prov. 17:27). And God already knows what we need—there’s no need to explain (Matt. 6:32; Phil 4:6–7). He had already said, “Before they call, I will answer” (Isa. 65:24). (It should be mentioned that Jesus didn’t oppose all public prayers or long prayers, just the kinds described here.)
What, then, is the purpose of prayer? At God’s invitation, our prayers signify participation in His plans and work. Prayer also trains our hearts to faith and obedience. In addition, prayer is fellowship and conversation with God, an important part of the relationship.
Go Deeper
What do we do mainly to be seen by others? That’s a dangerous question in this age of social media! What might following Jesus “in secret” mean today?
Pray with Us
Dear Jesus, thank You for the gift of open and easy communication with the Father that You made possible through Your death on the cross. May we never take it for granted.
Your Father knows what you need before you ask him.Matthew 6:8
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