Here is the slogan on our outdoor sign for this week. The words are based on Jesus' teaching on prayer as found in Matthew 6:6, "But when you pray, go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secret."
I realize that much of our praying is done in church publicly; and, of course, you may be one who prays at home where it is a more solitary experience. Jesus is stating that we are not to make a show of our praying and praying in secret is a way of safeguarding this posture. The Pharisees were known for praying in public in order to be seen by others, and you might say prayer was misused.
When you pray in secret there are advantages.
1. You are removing the temptation to develop pride about yourself from any outward display.
2. You are open to your own self-examination and have the time to do it.
3. You are open to pour out your heart to God without fear of criticism from others.
4. You are in a venue where you can listen to God, and prayer becomes a dialogue rather than a monologue.
Think about where you pray and how it works for you.
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