5 “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. . . . they have their reward. 6 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 . . . will reward you openly.
Jesus. Matthew 6:5 and 6. Hi, it’s Nathan, and this is Day 6 of 30 Days of Prayer. Don’t be like the hypocrites. Jesus’ first word on prayer—don’t do it to get attention. Ok, so—depending on where you live—even talking about prayer in public could leave you under a heap of ridicule. No matter. Jesus’ point still matters. Here it is: Why do you pray? What motivates you when you pray? Or talk about praying? Does it depend on the people you hang out with? Is it part of curating your public image? ‘Cuz if it is—you’re literally wasting your time. Totally wasting your time. Prayer is a functional kind of thing—not a wall-hanging, achievement award or a meme. By functional, I mean, prayer is an actual conversation with God—that’s the whole point of it. So, if connecting with God isn’t why you pray, rethink the whole prayer thing. Reflect on God’s place in your life—and your place in your life. Talking with God is incredibly powerful—when that’s the point.
